Spirit of Sports

[AndrewMichael]

I just watched the sports thread on here about explode with conversations over all the different athletics that entertain us, and it really got me to think about what spirit influences us when it comes to sports.

I, myself can become quite consumed if a conversation about football arises. Especially at my hometown Defiance where I played, when they lose I feel ashamed, when they win I feel proud. Something still ties to the team. Same with Ohio State.

But as I start to read about it on the paper, or jjhuddle, or some other media, I become to the place where the sport seems so important. I wonder what spirit is taking control of me when I start reading endlessly into useless sports data, predictions, records so far... and I should be spending the time in prayer. Sports definitely haven't drawn me closer to God, even though I learned quite a good deal about teamwork, cooperation, drive, focus, determination, preserverance... which can all be used spiritually, but the true spirit of sports seems to be quite anti-christ, and very powerful indeed.

Such as entire nations rallying about one sporting event, as the Romans did back in their pagan days, and I thought about... if they are the same spirit, just moved into our day. A big reason I bring this up, is I played sports in high school myself, and now I wonder if I would want my children (Lord tarrying, and willing) to be in sports as well. I was consumed in high school (even though I didn't have the Holy Ghost playing sports) and it seemed so important to where I spent all my time training and training.. just to be about average.

I'd like to hear you other guy's thoughts on this. I figured the fort would be a good place for such discussion.

[TommyLewis]

My initial thought, as a sports fan and also a former high school athlete, is that is has alot to do with time. Sports aren't sin (Bro Branham was an avid sportsman). However, to become consumed by sports is sin. If it dominates your mind, dominates your time, then it becomes an idol to you, whether you see it as such or not. That is wrong. Of course this applies not just to sports, but to almost any pursuit.
I have more...but I'd like to hear what others have to say before I just start rambling on...

[Jezz]

Personally I'd definately want my kids to play sport, you mentioned all the good things that can come from that such as teamwork, perserverance etc. Thats not to mention the obvious health benefits that come from playing sport and with the sedentary lifestyles which we now live a little exercise doesn't hurt. As long as its all kept in balance I'd never have a problem with it.

I have been caught up in the tribalism of the sports world before, much more than I should have been. For me it used to be all about State of Origin, the ultimate game in rugby league, even more thrilling than country vs country games. If Queensland lost I'd be devastated and if they won I'd be absolutely stoked.

Nowdays I still love State of Origin football, best games of year and for me its easy the best non-soccer football match you'll find anywhere. Better than superbowl, better than nrl champions vs great britains rugby league champions and better than the rugby world cup. And I still root for Queensland too because watching sport is never fun unless you're going for one team or the other, but if they lose I don't really care and if they win I still don't really care.

[BroTrevor]

Heh...

Check out my signature when it comes to watching big games and stuff.

For the fun, exercise, comraderie, team-work, that is built from PLAYING sports, I think it's a great thing.

To sit and watch the game as a spectator, that can really depend. I enjoy the occasional ball game, as I enjoy the game.

To get so into it tho is hard for me. Let's watch a bunch of immoral (sterotyped) overpaid people play a sport to the point of almost making them idols.

Hard to do.... hard to do.

[Nate]

I never was one much for sports. I'll watch a game if I'm with friends or family. Sports are to me, what beer, wine, or champaign are to a social drinker.

[HotShot53]

I'll agree with all of the above.... in moderation I see nothing wrong with it, and it can have benefits... like everything else, though, you can overdue it, for sure.

[BroTrevor]

I'll agree with all of the above

I see you're still sorting the same way as the dark side...

[HotShot53]

I see you're still sorting the same way as the dark side...

Lol, actually, it was just a phrase of speech... I have mine sorted with most recent on top, too ;)

[eagleendtime]

My two cents worth.

Now if your talking about the gladiator type sports, ie football, hockey, baseball, soccer, etc. etc. I was never as a sinner much of a sports fan, and not even as a christian. As a sinner I rather be a participate than a spectator, and the only games to me worth watching as a sinner was the finals.

But there are the outdoor sports, such as hiking, climbing, caving, etc. Now they definitely got a hold of me. As a Christian, hiking and general mountaineering are the interests, but they no longer have a hold on my life.

When a sinner living in Calgary, every weekend was out in the mountains, after my conversion (not my baptism, or even following this message - but my conversion) It's Serving the Lord first, and occasional trips to the mountains.

[joris]

I sure don't care too much for sports. Parents are bugging me they want me to choose a sport I'd enjoy, though I have no clue, and am not really interested in getting a sport as hobby at all. Oh well, that's another topic perhaps.

Anyway. Got to think about the "olympics", which, obviously, is full of greek rituals. Well, ofcourse most of the time sports aren't that occult as that. Still, I don't know, at least the world of "professional" sports isn't exactly a world you'd want to belong to (them using occult stuff, for example people getting encouraged to go to homeopathics and such if they get injured)

As already mentioned before, in sports, people get praised. God hardly ever gets any honor, though it's only His grace that these people have bodies capable of, well, being used for sports.

Bible doesn't have much about sports, except a line somewhere that says it's better to work on spiritual health than working on the fysical (uhm don't know where it is, or exactly what words are used, sure you know which one I mean, right?)

[Jezz]

I know this isn't related to the topic, but perhaps joris you could explain why you think homeopathics is occult. Just curious because I know many Christians who use them.

[TommyLewis]

I see some elements of the occult in pure homeopathics...I don't really see any of that being used in sports however(at least not in America), so maybe we aren't actually talking about homeopathics.
Homeopathy is a school of thought which claims to treat disease by administering dilutions of substances that would cause symptoms similar to the symptoms being experienced if given in high concentrations. It involves diluting the substances in water and shaking the mixture in order to allow the water to "remember" the "vibrations" or the chemical composition of the substance. Homeopathy claims to treat imbalances in a persons vital force.
Like I said...I can see occult influences there...however, I can't think of a single instance where I have heard of a professional athlete being treated through these methods.

[joris]

At least in Holland many "eastern" treatments (like acapunture, the thing of placing needles in someone's body and claiming that to have a healing effect) are also called homeopathics, and many of such eastern treatments are occult.
however, I can't think of a single instance where I have heard of a professional athlete being treated through these methods.I don't know much about a relation between homeopathics and sports, though I heard atheletes getting encouraged to visit those. That may be incidents, I don't know.

[AndrewMichael]

Let me bring another side to this (aside from the previous topic, and back to the original).

Playing sports in itself of course I don't feel is wrong. Such as we believe in going to church. But with our knowledge of the hurt of organized religion, would you say organized sports tend to do the same damage? especially to those part of sports that are actually benefical?

I've been thinking about this more and more as of late, but I know the "seriousness" that came along with high school football based on the fact that it was an organized sport, was one of the strongest spirits I've dealt with in my life, and I don't think should be taken lightly.

[TommyLewis]

But with our knowledge of the hurt of organized religion, would you say organized sports tend to do the same damage? especially to those part of sports that are actually benefical?


Personally I believe the opposite is true. Organized sports are almost responsible for the benefits we have mentioned. Playing pick-up games will not build character, discipline, teamwork, drive, focus, determination etc in the way that playing sports in a competitive structured environment will.
In terms of kids(with my obvious lack of expertise disclaimer) I would say that if we are looking to sports as a tool to help impart the values we have been discussing, structured competitive sports is the only way to do it. However, if we are simply looking for a way to help keep kids active and in better physical shape, non-competitive environments will do just as well.

[joris]

Playing sports in itself of course I don't feel is wrong. Such as we believe in going to church. But with our knowledge of the hurt of organized religion, would you say organized sports tend to do the same damage? especially to those part of sports that are actually benefical?If a "church" is as money centered as "sport as a business", or can be compared to anything like "benificial sports", it doesn't deserve the name "church".
Though maybe I didn't really get what you meant with "benificial sports"..?

[HotShot53]

If a "church" is as money centered as "sport as a business", or can be compared to anything like "benificial sports", it doesn't deserve the name "church".
Though maybe I didn't really get what you meant with "benificial sports"..?

Unfortunately, there are a good number of "churches" that have that exact focus...

[BroTrevor]

Surely not...


not in the name of Christianity...


I'm sure they're just trying to help people "be a better you"

[TommyLewis]

I gather you're not a Joel Osteen fan?

[joris]

I gather you're not a Joel Osteen fan?nobody said anything about this guy up until now.
I gather you're praying daily for Joel Osteen?

[TommyLewis]

nobody said anything about this guy up until now.
I gather you're praying daily for Joel Osteen?

I took what Trevor said about "be a better you" as a reference to Joel Osteen, who has written a book titled "Become a Better You."
And no, I don't pray daily for Joel Osteen...

[BroTrevor]

I took what Trevor said about "be a better you" as a reference to Joel Osteen, who has written a book titled "Become a Better You."
And no, I don't pray daily for Joel Osteen...


Yes, you took it correct.

And uhm... yeah, I don't either.

There's plenty of people to pray for out there Joris. Forgive me if I don't pray for all of them.

It's not that I don't want to pray for him... it's just that, well, it usually don't come up.

Sorry, it's my fault isn't it... this thread is completely off the target.



GO TEAM GOOOOO

RAH RAH RAH

SYS BOOM BAH!

I feel like painting one side of my face one color of my favorite team, and the other side of my face the other color!

Maybe donning a viking helmet!!

[joris]

Yes, you took it correct.

And uhm... yeah, I don't either.

There's plenty of people to pray for out there Joris. Forgive me if I don't pray for all of them.

It's not that I don't want to pray for him... it's just that, well, it usually don't come up.It appears it just came up right there, when you felt like making funny remarks about him. Oh, and, ask God for forgiveness as you see you should pray, not me. Though yes, even if I have no clue why you ask me forgiveness, yea, sure I forgive you.

[AndrewMichael]

Wow... How'd this get to be about Joel Osteen and praying for him, I have no idea, but since we're here I'll comment.

There's no such thing as being a better "you" in Christianity. Its heresy. Christianity is about seeing how worthless you are, and how marvelous the Lord Jesus is. How much we need Him, and how gracious He was to place us in the economy of God as His Bride.

Do I pray for the Pope knowing he is leading the antichrist movement? Nope. Do I pray for the political regimes in the world knowing they are all governed by satan? Not a bit. Do I pray for Christianity that is purely not Scriptural, and thus not of God? Absolutely not.

I pray for individuals that God leads me to. Prayer is something we need to find more leadership in (me included) so our own ambitions do not thwart what the Lord wants us to pray for right at that time. Prayer is something ever so precious, knowing that the prayers of the saints (which I am one of) are poured out in Revelation, showing the last sign of grace. And Jesus said to not cast pearls before swine, and it's frivilous for me to pray for someone who doesn't want to be healed, doesn't think they are sick even though they are wretched, blind, naked, miserable... and don't know it.

You can only lead a horse to water, you can't make him drink it.

Do I pray for Joel Osteen? No. Have I ever felt lead to? Not once. Should we say things as if to mock?.... No, and we all know this, and I believe it was done unintenionally.

I am going to go sit under the Blood of Jesus Christ, where all grace is from... I request all of us do the same. :)

Love you my brethern.

[TommyLewis]

I pray for individuals that God leads me to. Prayer is something we need to find more leadership in (me included) so our own ambitions do not thwart what the Lord wants us to pray for right at that time.

I like that...finding leadership in what we pray for...God knows what we need and what we need to pray for even better than we do.

I pray for the people God lays on my heart on a daily basis. If I was to pray daily for every person that is decieved, I would pray for 24 hours a day and still run out of time. It just isn't physically feasible. Again, thats why we need leadership from God in our prayers. I don't pray daily for Joel Osteen. However, that doesn't disqualify me from pointing out that I think he is decieved or from pointing out that his ideas or concepts are not scripturally sound.

[joris]

And Jesus said to not cast pearls before swine, and it's frivilous for me to pray for someone who doesn't want to be healed, doesn't think they are sick even though they are wretched, blind, naked, miserable... and don't know it. Sad to see you misquote that verse like that. Better reread that bible, to see what it's really about. It's in Matthew 7.

[AndrewMichael]

Sad to see you misquote that verse like that. Better reread that bible, to see what it's really about. It's in Matthew 7.

It means to not continually tell people things about the gospel when they refuse it over.. and over.. and over again. That's casting the gospel out to swine, who take it for nothing, and trample it under feet, refuse it, and walk away. Nor should I give my support (either financial, mentally, physically or spiritually) to those who don't preach a Bible Jesus, and just one of their imagination.

Jesus did such himself when he simply told the Pharisees that they were sons of the devil himself, even though no one was half as religious as they were. Religiousity is anti-christ without the Holy Ghost.

I'm sick of a half way gospel. It does nothing but make God sick at His stomach. (Revelation 3:15-16 for reference). I'll stick purely to the word, and the revelation given to us by His prophets.

[BroTrevor]

Woooooooooooo


Go Vikings!!!

[joris]

Do I pray for the Pope knowing he is leading the antichrist movement? Nope. Do I pray for the political regimes in the world knowing they are all governed by satan? Not a bit. Do I pray for Christianity that is purely not Scriptural, and thus not of God? Absolutely not.It still seems to me you're saying you don't believe in intercession. Yea, I hope you didn't mean to say that, but that's what you seem to be saying.

It means to not continually tell people things about the gospel when they refuse it over.. and over.. and over again. That's casting the gospel out to swine, who take it for nothing, and trample it under feet, refuse it, and walk away.I have no clue where you got that interpretation, but I don't really believe that's correct. I believe that was in the context of "Judge not, that ye be not judged." (mt7:1), and judging enabling those "swines" to "trample them (the pearls) under their feet, and turn again and rend you." I got that idea of those "swines" not being men at all (instead, they're demons)

I'm sick of a half way gospel. It does nothing but make God sick at His stomach. (Revelation 3:15-16 for reference)God surely gets sick from religious judging - which is the very thing those pharisees where doing a lot

[AndrewMichael]

I don't judge people, I just spirits.

"Try the spirits, hold fast to that which is good."

And... yeah, I'm done. Frivilous.

[Jezz]

1 Tim 2:2

- - -

[BroTrevor]

Yes...YES YES!!!

GO... GOOOOO!!!

no...no... NOOO NOOOOO

HOW COULD YOU DROP THAT???

ARGH!!!

[NoahL]

Poor Vikes... It's ok BroTrev... you can't win them all. Don't go jumping off a bridge or anything.

[HotShot53]

The Eagles surprisingly won last sunday... losing most of the game, until 3 min to go, they scored a touchdown to get the lead, recover a fumble and score another one to seal it up :)

[Benoni]

Bless your heart bro,

Physical exercise is valuable......







My two cents worth.

Now if your talking about the gladiator type sports, ie football, hockey, baseball, soccer, etc. etc. I was never as a sinner much of a sports fan, and not even as a christian. As a sinner I rather be a participate than a spectator, and the only games to me worth watching as a sinner was the finals.

But there are the outdoor sports, such as hiking, climbing, caving, etc. Now they definitely got a hold of me. As a Christian, hiking and general mountaineering are the interests, but they no longer have a hold on my life.

When a sinner living in Calgary, every weekend was out in the mountains, after my conversion (not my baptism, or even following this message - but my conversion) It's Serving the Lord first, and occasional trips to the mountains.