“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” – 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Perhaps no topic generates as much passion and opinion as sports. A close second would be politics. It is routine for sports figures to be asked for their political opinions or to give personal endorsements to political candidates. The 2024 campaign season has brought this fact to our attention more than ever. It has been very evident that people often put more faith in sports figures and hope in political leaders than they do in Jesus Christ. It is easy to forget that God blesses “the nation whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 33:12) I was taught at an early age to be proud of my American citizenship. The Apostle Paul was certainly proud of his dual Jewish and Roman citizenship. But Paul placed much more value on his citizenship in Heaven and put his hope in the One who rules there (Philippians 3:20-23).

It is important for us to be knowledgeable of the political events of the day and certainly to take the time to vote. It is even more important that we do not replace our hope in Jesus as our spiritual Savior with the hope of a man or woman in the sports or political arena. Only God sets up and removes rulers (Romans 13:1). No matter what promises a sports or political figure may make, only God can deliver. Only God can change the hearts of men and women and the direction of nations. As we celebrate this Christmas Season, let us remember the words of Paul from Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

Heavenly Father, remove my misplaced hope today and place it in the only true hope, Your Son, Jesus Christ. Teach me to value my citizenship in Heaven more than my citizenship here on earth. Give me true joy and peace during this Christmas Season. In Jesus’ name, Amen.