Spiritual perspective on the World Cup
This article was written for the June 2014 French, Portuguese, German, and Spanish editions of The Herald of Christian Science.
Nothing comes closer to being a universal game than Association Football (soccer, in the United States). As a result, no other sports event this year is likely to command quite so much attention across the globe as the International Football Federation’s quadrennial World Cup tournament, to be held in Brazil from June 12 to July 13, 2014.
Skeptics point out that such gatherings all too often bring out the worst in players and spectators, and that the financial burdens loom large, especially for host nations. The organizers might recoup their mind-boggling investment across several years of planning, preparation, and stadium building, but is it worth it? Also, who needs the tension posed by security risks?
But there are other sides to international events of this magnitude. For many of us, they instantly bring to mind spiritual qualities everyone is called upon to express, on and off the field—stamina, skill, concentration, and teamwork. We might add fairness, unselfishness, self-discipline, and an openness to others’ cultures, languages, and history. These are qualities that reach far beyond football pitches into all corners of everyday life.
Everyone is called upon to express spiritual qualities, on and off the field.
Those who understand the divine Mind’s role in the smooth running and protection of such events, can see boundless harmony expressed among the players, officials, and supporters from the 32 countries who are coming together for five weeks of competition in 12 widespread cities.
World Cup play demands extraordinary mental and physical fitness. In an average game, midfield players will be required to run as far as nine miles (more than 14 kilometers)—with no time-outs and few interruptions—while using feet and head to control the ball.
Survival in this tournament is all about finding your stride, maintaining momentum throughout several games just a few days apart, and staying free of injury.
The players will need “wings as eagles,” and the strength and endurance of “the everlasting God” (see Isaiah 40:28–31 ). They will need the sureness of “hinds’ feet,” and their steps “enlarged” under them so that they don’t “slip” (see Psalms 18:33, 36 ).
Consistently successful teams know the value of other ingredients, too. A game played in a spirit of friendliness—with respect for the rules and for other players—brings deep satisfaction and can be a mighty force in preserving peace. It leaps across political boundaries and heals friction.
Many faith communities are praying for the safety and success of this tournament—confident that it will be characterized by harmonious interaction among players and nations, principled organization and refereeing, and a creative flair that leaves spectators gasping in admiration.
Regardless of our cultural and sporting background, international events such as the World Cup provide an ideal opportunity to heighten our awareness of the spiritual nature of the world and its peoples, to celebrate the flawless goodness of God’s creation, and to respond readily to this ringing call from Christ Jesus: “Love one another; as I have loved you” (John 13:34 ).
