Keeping Your Faith at the Egg Bowl
Photo courtesy of MSU Athletics
As November slowly creeps up on us Mississippians and the temperature starts to drop, the preparation for the Egg Bowl is underway. Regardless of the record of either Mississippi State University or the University of Mississippi, the outcome of this particular game is always unpredictable. So, as proud members of the Southeastern Conference with hard feelings towards Ole Miss, we take this game very seriously. While we proudly stand with our Bulldogs, there is also the matter of staying true to our faith and listening to God's commands. The Bible talks a lot about anger and practicing the art of staying calm in all situations. As Christians, it is important to be examples for those around us, even if they come from different backgrounds. So, how do we do this at a rivalry football game with all of the influences around us? Well, I have tried to make things a bit easier by creating a list of important Bible verses that will come in handy on Thanksgiving day before, during, and after the game.
1. Proverbs 15:18
"A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel."
Before the game, tensions are always high and the crowd is eager for action. With the anxiety and tension that everyone can feel, it is important to not taunt the other team about their season record or the fans about their seemingly misplaced trust. The game is much more enjoyable when you are around people who are cheering on the Dawgs, but even if you get seated next to an Ole Miss fan, striking up an argument with them will only lead to a bad day for both you and them.
2. James 1:19
"My brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,"
While we always hope for the best for our Dawgs, the outcome of the game is unpredictable. Therefore, let us be patient and remember that each team has a chance. Jumping to conclusions before or during the game can lead to anger and confusion. While we can still cheer when the Dawgs score, having patience can help liven the crowd. Sometimes when the Dawgs are not performing as well as we would like, there is a tendency for us to start feeling anger. However, just remember to be slow to anger and slow to speak or yell.
3. Luke 6:27
"But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you."
Calling the Rebels an enemy may be a bit of a stretch, but the basic idea here holds: love those who may not love you back. The rivalry between Ole Miss and Mississippi State has been going on for as long as anyone can remember, but in the end it is only a sports rivalry. People on both sides should be able to compete on the field but love each other off of it. Tensions may be high during the game, but the Egg Bowl is only a (roughly) four-hour period in the year that we can all enjoy as long as we treat each other with respect.
4. Ephesians 4:31
"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice."
If you find it hard to do those things, use the half-time show to recover. Instead of waiting in the long concession lines or refilling the popcorn bowl at home, use that time to take a breath and relax. Half-time can be a way for us to all calm down and rid ourselves of the anger and frustration we might be feeling. By doing this, we can sit back and enjoy the rest of the game while remembering our values.
5. Proverbs 24:17
"Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice,"
if the Dawgs get us a win against Ole Miss this season, we can take some time to enjoy ourselves and congratulate the team. However, we should not be obnoxious about it. While it can be tempting to rub it in their faces, as Christians and as Bulldogs, we should be humble and kind. We hope nothing but the best for our team, but we should not hope for any harm or future failures to come upon the other.
6. Psalms 73:26
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
On the other hand, should Ole Miss get the better of us, we can remember that failing, whether it be us or the Dawgs, is just part of life. In this world, placing faith in other people can have consequences that we may or may not love. However, it is important to remember that God will never let us down. He always brings home a win.
7. John 14:27
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
Finally, after the stadium clears out and we sit down to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner, let the feelings of peace and comfort wash over you and your loved ones. Remember that Jesus came down and gave us something greater than an Egg Bowl win. He gave us salvation and peace. Keeping all the other verses in mind and practicing patience will help us all to stay true to our faith and lead by example.