The AFL may be different in this respect for their 'grand-final'. I for one, accept that their rules are designed with the players' interests at heart as the match has four 25 minute quarters (approx 25 minutes with stoppage time) in a very high intensity, high energy game.
In the grand final rematch St Kilda could not muster the sort of momentum they had the previous week, and were beaten by Collingwood 108 to 52. Many have speculated in both the media and in personal conversations as to what might have been had extra time been allowed in that first grand final. This no doubt, will continue in the off-season. Maybe the AFL will consider changing the rules?
This reflection however, does apply to every day life as well. In all sorts of situations there are rules we follow, although we may not like them.
There are road rules to ensure safety considerations, electoral rules so that people only vote once, there are Council rules in order for neighbours to live peaceably, there are University and School rules......
In most cases, in our democratic society these rules are made with the interest of our society at heart. They may be different in different countries, such as the USA which has different gun-control rules and no compulsory voting.
When we are in the USA we abide by their laws and rules. The Bible tells us to 'give to Caesar what is due to Caesar' and this is no different from accepting the rules of different games, even if they seem a bit anarchic to many of us.
Christianity has sometimes gone against the 'norms' and seen to be different from the rest of society.
We can cite the example of Jesus overturning the tables of the merchants in the Temple, or His love that He gave Himself to die on that Cross for each person's sins, or we can site how Stephen was martyred by stoning and forgiving those who were executing him.
Christians are different to the rest of society. Christians have a message of Salvation that in many situations, creates great fear in others. If the Christian is spot-on, then the long term prospects for 'everyone else' is worrisome to say the least. Yes, Christians are different.
The AFL too dares to be different. I ask you, who else plays AFL in the world? And moreover, although it may annoy some people to have a grand-final replayed, even 'putting off' personal plans (such as weddings as noted in the media), perhaps the AFL is to be respected for sticking to its principles.