After all the hype and build-up, Super Bowl weekend is finally here! I’m sure most of us are excited about the game…wondering how the Falcons will handle the bright lights…and curious to see if the Patriots can slow down Atlanta’s high-powered offense. 

Amidst the action on the field, we know the Super Bowl is an event filled with music, pregame analysis, parties, food, and yes…commercials! Let’s face it, they play a major role in the big day – whether we like it or not. 

The NFL and their ad partners are so savvy that they’ve convinced us we can’t miss anything throughout the day, including their product-pitching commercials. They know that as we’re gathering in homes around the country to eat chips and dip and break down every play on the field, we’re also absorbing the greatly anticipated commercials. 

We want to make sure we witness the hilarious commercials with a crazy monkey and a talking baby, and eagerly await the latest tech gadget reveal. I admit to getting sucked in myself, and by the end of the night, I have watched countless ads telling me how to spend my money. 

Although seeing these clever commercials can be a lot of fun, I think we should also be aware of what is really going on. Each Super Bowl is filled with 30-second messages that tell us what we need or what will make our lives better. We don’t like to admit they have any influence on us, but the reality is…they do. 

It’s not just on Super Bowl Sunday, but every day we are affected by the noise we hear all around us. There is so much information and enticing promotions being spread, that we often don’t even realize our thoughts and actions are being influenced. 

But as followers of Jesus, we are called to view life through a different lens than the world deems important. The Bible says in Romans 12:2 (ESV), “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” 

1 John 2:15-17 (ESV) also tells us: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.”

On Sunday as we sit around and watch commercials and interact with our friends, let’s allow God and His truth to be at the forefront of our minds. Let’s remember that we are forgiven and loved, and true satisfaction is found in Jesus.

We can still enjoy the Super Bowl and embrace the festivities, but let’s not buy into the lies…or the gadgets “they” tell us to. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray that You would make me aware of the negative influences and messages that come my way. Please renew my mind so that I see things through a different lens. Help me be satisfied and joyful because of Jesus. I pray this in His name, Amen.