Prayer for Industry: professional sports and temples of doom
By Rodney Kirkpatrick
July 1, 2008
One of the things that must become clear to the Church at this juncture in history is its present role in shaping the events in the world. First and foremost we must lead by example. Matthew 5:14 (NKJV) says,
14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden."
We will never be effective in anything if we don't do what we say. Hypocrisy is one of the biggest and most valid criticisms of Christians today and until our lives clearly model a difference from the bondage to despair, immorality and lovelessness that characterizes the world, we can't hope to have more than a superficial impact on those who don't know Christ.
But beyond being a shining example, we are charged with being the leading influence upon decisions that affect the world today. Look at Ephesians 3:8-12 (NKJV) which says,
8 To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
9 and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ;
10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places,
11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,
12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.
First notice the term "principality" in verse 10. It is tempting to limit the scope of this verse to the unseen spiritual realm, but when you look elsewhere in scripture it is clear that doing so is inaccurate. Principalities are also natural centers that have influence and authority like governments, industries, etc (also see Luke 12:11).
Next consider quite carefully the job that is given by these verses to Christians. The "manifold wisdom of God" is to "be made known by the church" specifically "to the principalities." In other words, the Church is called to dictate to the spheres of influence on the earth what it is that the Lord wants. Not only does the Lord want to instruct us about how to react to evil that is being propagated, but He also wants to give us the wisdom to see it greatly limited or prevented entirely. Jesus is after the principalities in the earth and we are His agent to see them changed and come into line.
Some of the strongest centers of influence today are businesses and industry. None is more visible than professional sports which for many reasons are wildly popular and therefore influential on society at large. Sports effect on the world has been both positive and negative. On the one hand we've seen the terrible proliferation of performance enhancing drugs among youth who are following the examples of sports figures. On the other hand tremendous sums of money have been raised for the poor and oppressed and the Gospel message has been extended to many through organizations like Fellowship of Christian Athletes and committed individuals determined to use their popularity for the sake of God's Kingdom.
In American Football one of the most popular teams historically has been the Dallas Cowboys. Two things have been major contributors to their heightened visibility: great success on the field and marketing genius. The current ownership has expanded these historic strengths and in many ways surpassed them. Especially in terms of marketing ability it is clear that current Cowboy ownership is second to none.
Details from a vision
Presently the Cowboys are constructing a new state of the art stadium that will significantly enhance their ability to market their products/image in the way that they choose. I believe that the Lord showed me that recently their have been some deaths to workers during the stadium's construction that serve as a sign of things to come through the visibility this stadium will bring if Christians don't respond and cut it off ahead of time. A spirit of lust currently has a hold on the Cowboy organization through the ownership. It is the enemy's intent to release this spirit in much larger measure through the outlet of their new stadium causing "deaths" to many marriages, families and ministries via lust related sin and bondage.
The New York Yankees are another professional sports franchise that have mythical standing with great multitudes of people. I believe that the Lord showed me that in a different capacity from the Cowboy stadium the enemy has a plan for the new Yankee stadium. Greed is attached to this organization through its current ownership and it exists to the degree that shortcuts are presently being planned in the stadium's construction that will compromise its structural integrity. If these plans go ahead unchanged, I believe there will be a collapse of part of the new stadium during a sporting event killing many.
In addition to these specific events I saw a much more general picture of like events taking place in Europe with professional soccer franchises and newly developed facilities. I was also impressed that the intent to use these new huge market centers/stadiums for evil purposes was not limited to the geographic scope shown in this vision.
A practical response
Much of our charge as God's people in taking up this challenge is to pray. Remember Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV) which says,
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
It is easy to demonize people rather than praying against the spiritual forces that influence them and for the redemption of those the enemy is using. It is also crucial to understand that it is a "wrestling" match and not a single blow. We have to prepare ourselves to pray over the long term concerning these matters and not lose heart when it seems as if nothing is happening. Lastly, we need to pray for courageous athletes who know the Lord and are willing to stand for the truth in the midst of their professions regardless of what it costs. Even a small number of committed Christian athletes can turn the new ultra media intensive stadiums into profound pulpits for the Gospel of the Kingdom. Responding to the call of the Lord in these matters is extremely serious and doing so will ensure that the new stadiums in professional sports are venues for the advancement of God's Kingdom rather than temples of doom that spread darkness.