PROPHETIC RESPONSE TO NFL ANTHEM CONTROVERSY
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PROPHETIC RESPONSE TO NFL ANTHEM CONTROVERSY
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Ask the Lord to speak to you personally about the NFL anthem controversy.
I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint. (Hab 2:1-4)
I am writing this to you my friends as a spiritual strategist and not as a political analyst. Know my heart, for I believe it is the counsel of God that speaks.
I found myself reacting like so many of us to this debate over kneeling or standing for the flag and the playing of the national anthem. At first it was my patriotic duty to defend both, however, after sharing several posts with my friend Bill Marion and reading his comments to others, I began to shift from my initial reaction mode to a responsive mode. It was here that I was counseled by the LORD. Here, where I went back to my post as a watchmen and stayed positioned to watch, and listen, meditating on how I would respond to the LORD’S reproof and correction. (Habakkuk 2:1-4) It was in this place that He spoke to me, sharing His vision and understanding. He took me to Job 38 and began speaking to me and I responded; “I have declared that which I did not understand…Therefore I retract, and repent in dust and ashes.” (Job 42:1-6)
Let me say this at the outset of this message. The flag and the national anthem are symbols and it is what they represent that we hold dear as Americans, especially if like myself you are from a military background with disabled veterans in your immediate family. My heart cries out like so many that there be love and respect for these symbols and what they represent, but, then I realized; that is it!
It’s what they represent that is so important, our nation, founded on Godly principles, guided and directed, governed by our constitution. It is our Constitution that we as Americans should seek to uphold. With all the rights, all those that we hold true. That being said, this is what I heard in my inner man:
The Lord quickened my remembrance, and ask me; what is idolatry?
For the 10 year old Jehovah’s Witness student in the classroom standing and saluting the flag it is idolatry, to the Baptist minister to kneel before the statue of any saint is idolatry, to the Native American to bow their head before a cross during the “Conquest,” that was idolatry, to the Jew to kneel before the Cross is idolatry. Most of us that are Christians know that so many in the first century died for simply not offering incense up to Caesar, why? Because to them it was idolatry, and of course the most outstanding example in scripture is of the three Hebrews who refused to kneel before a statue, while these rest of their peers kneeled, why because it was idolatry. When we place anything in a position of worship it becomes idolatry in the sight of GOD ALMIGHTY.
Perhaps, He was using this to expose the real issue within us….Our idolatrous hearts. Football has become a national idol, and perhaps there are forces at work trying to manipulate us into allowing patriotism to also become a form of idolatrous worship. This message is not to condemn, but to convict you my friends. Let us each search out our own hearts and see where we may have allowed any idolatrous worship to produce seeds in our thinking and actions.
These people are protesting, it is their right under the Constitution of this nation. It is their right, just like you and I have the right to proclaim the gospel freely. Just like that 10 year old Jehovah’s Witness student who chooses to remain seated, an act that has already been upheld in the court systems I might add, as well as those who chose not to pray because they are not Christian.
If the U.S. government, this nation that I love were to proclaim a “new Law” by which I no longer could worship MY GOD, what would I do? How would I react or respond? We need to ask ourselves these serious questions, for brothers and sisters we live in a period of time, when things are shifting quickly, and what we held as sacred today in this nation, could be changed by one stroke of a pen. I believe that we will be confronted one day with this decision! God is allowing us the opportunity NOW to come up higher and seek His understanding on EVERY matter!
Do we NOW have the conviction and character to “Obey God rather than men”? (Acts 5:29) (Commentary by Dallas Eggemeyer, Lightbearers International. Used with permission.)
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I wrote about this a few weeks back and when I finished I felt a great peace in my heart. Basically there is a right time, a right way, and a right place for everything.
Standing for the anthem shows respect and honor for our military men and women who have fought for generations, many times giving their lives, so that we may enjoy the freedoms and opportunities that we have in this wonderful Country. It is a way of showing gratitude and appreciation for the good things. It is not about idolatry.
But we must also recognize that things in our country are not perfect. It is everyone’s right to peacefully protest those things that they consider to be unjust. But it takes discernment and consideration by and for all who are involved in order to reach the correct solution at the right time, in the right way, and at the right place.
I can appreciate the message but not the venue. Their actions are screaming so loud that no one can hear their message. .That delays any attempt to listen to any valid concerns they have.
While the players have the right to protest, it doesn’t mean it is right to do at their workplace according to their contract. I wouldn’t have lasted if I had done that. They have stepped on their own message and delayed or destroyed the understanding that they seek.
I do think that all parties and fans need to pray for WISDOM and pray for it liberally.
I agree with a lot of these comments. I don’t think we “worship” the flag but understand the respect behind it. When a service person has died in battle they come home with the flag draped around their coffin, people salute for respect and gratitude for the sacrifice that is before us. I also think when a 10 y.o. boy doesn’t stand up for the national anthem, he is not learning his rights of freedom of speech as much as learning what respect and leadership is about.
The NFL players have no idea what their cause is, now it is just an issue of bucked up pride. They so want to be right, they have exchanged being right for doing what is right. I also come from a military family with Veterans. This hurts us. But it can’t be about we or they, it has to be about the unity of our country. Pride will divide us and divided we will fall. As far as the idols, I believe God is disrupting every single platform we have raised idols on. If you look at our nation in the last few months, you will see lives disrupted, NFL, Hollywood, Politics, Las Vegas, News Media, FBI and I believe God is using all of these things to unsecret hidden deception and shine His Light on the condition of the heart of this nation. This is a time to turn and fully face Him, lay down our idols and cling wholly-holy to HIM.
I agree with Mary Annie Hughes, there is a time and a place for everything.
I do not agree that showing respect to our flag and what it represents, is idolatry. We are supposed to be respectful of our government and give Cesar that which is Cesar’s and God that which is God’s.
God does not want us to be disrespectful of the law, our government, or of our parents, as it is clearly stated in the 4th Commandment.
What was Cavin Koepernick’s intent in using his platform to entice others to rebel against our flag and country? Isn’t that subversion and sedition? there are laws against that.
I do not believe that honoring the flag and the anthem is idolatry. Many show respect and honor but they are not worshiping the symbols. The players have a right to protest. That much is true. But they are doing it on work time instead of on their own time. It is much like me going to work at the office or store and deciding that I’m going to protest there while my employer is paying me. There is a time and place for everything and their choice to protest while they are on work time is unacceptable.
A flag is a call to rally…it’s a rallying point for the troops…for a nation. We are not idolizing a flag….with RESPECT we are standing for something…for our God given country and although she is not perfect…I will gladly buy anyone a ticket if you wish to leave and live somewhere else! These NFL punks who enjoy a life style most of us could only dream of attaining…by kneeling or sitting at the raising of our flag and the playing of our national anthem are disrespecting this great nation…PERIOD! Has the NFL become idol worship…yes, sadly many men can quote football statistics better than they can quote biblical verses…that’s not what is at stake here though. It’s a matter of respect….and I’ll show no one respect who can’t discern the right time to be respectful and the right time to protest! It’s time Christians get a backbone and stand for what is right. We have need of that in our pulpits as well! I don’t need to pray to the Lord before I tie my shoes in the morning to know how to do it…and I will use discernment as the sons of Issachar to know the right thing to do with RESPECT and HONOR! We need more of that from our leaders in this country…especially those who lead from the pulpit or who have a public voice. As a member of the Black Robe Regiment I will support and defend the constitution of the United States along with the God breathed Bill of Rights so help me God. I will take a knee to no man, bowing only to my Lord Jesus and only ask for respect for our flag and National Anthem! We all need to ask for nothing less! It’s not about idol worship…it’s about doing things out of respect! To bad you are unable to discern this….
I found your comments very insightful. I am reminded of the ‘Hobby Lobby and Mardel’ case against having to include health coverage for abortion in their group employee health plans and winning the right not to have to include them. Although the right to ‘not kneel’ by NFL players is not based on religious beliefs, I pray our nation does move in the direction of requiring its citizens to pay homage to any particular symbol for any reason. I do believe your insight is very Kingdom centered and worth meditating on. Thanks for your comments.
If you are going to PAY and see or WATCH (cable cost) and you do not want to see the protesting, STOP. STOP GOING TO THE GAMES and STOP WATCHING THE GAMES—perhaps your protest will help the leagues see you are there to see a game—not to view a public protist (which is your right). The Lord knows your heart. Least not we judge others.
1984:
“Football, beer, & above all gambling filled up the horizons of their minds. To keep them in control was not difficult.” George Orwell.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFoEercC-Rw
Sports idolatry is one thing. BUT the Left is scheming to infect every area of culture with its corrosive and controlling shame and narrative. Please don’t fall for this Marxist setup! Read Dinesh d’Souzas new book The Big Lie
I agree with the legality of their right to peaceful protest. I am thankful for the national conversation that has ensued. I am thankful we retain the right to do this. However, I will say this. There is a lot of confusion as to what they are all protesting exactly. And the spirit of the day is rebellion, confusion, and self-centered hearts grown cold. Each person must examine their own hearts when they respond to this. Is there anger, hatred, spite and prejudice in our response? Then God is not honored. Take every opportunity then to make every word, every deed done before men to honor and bring glory to our Lord and to advance the Gospel. Don’t forget who we are and why we are here. The time is short, the days are evil and each person who takes a knee or doesn’t is precious in the sight of the Lord. We all need a savior–more than we need to be “right.”
Patriotism under God is not an idolatry issue. Those who hold the respect for the flag are not worshiping the flag, but to honor our country and for which it stands.
Pray against the infestation of America by the Demonic spirits originating from the Greek & Roman ancient Pan Mediterranean-games including the Roman Coliseum Gladiator games, Bolstered up by the Central American Mayan Ball-player games & their demons from hell. Pray Christians worship Jesus instead of ancient demonic sports spirits. This is an opportunity from God Almighty to transform America’s sports worship into a return to Jesus!! IF the CHURCH PRAYS & INTERCEDES> Just like 2,500 years ago, when Daniel encountered the plans for the Prince of Greece & had to intercede.
My concern as I see sports figures kneeling and refusing to respectfully honor the flag not
as a symptom of idolatry at all!! It seems that God himself is dealing with one of the biggest idols in this country….Football!
My main concern is the rebellion I see springing up all over…rebellion against authority, and lack of honor toward all authority in this country. Children as well as teenagers and young adults are not taught to honor authority….whether is in the church, in the home, in our schools, or in the public square!!! This lack of honor and respect has led to widespread rebellion …..as we see widespread rebellion against even our government and our president .Jehovas witnesses have more many years not saluted the flag…that was their conviction, but it has not really affected honor or obedience in our country, in my opinion.
The fact that a high school band yesterday in Iowa kneeled….means it is contagious. Rebellion and lack of honor is contagious….terribly contagious.
I will never condone the NFL players protests ….for any reason. It is not even accomplishing their desired goal….to protest supposed Police brutaltiy!! Their venue is not working!!!….that is not the point, I know. Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, the Word of God says!!!
I do not consider patriotism to be idolatry. I read your article, and I agree that these people have a right to protest peacefully. However, I also have a right to protest peacefully, and I am exercising that right by no longer supporting football or the NFL. I will no longer give my time, money or encouragement to them by watching their games on television or by attending their games in person. That is my right.
To those that feel “These guys … should be sent back to the country they came from!”. It is clear to me that you don’t understand the protest. What country do you think they’re from?
They are Americans with the same rights as you. To express their thoughts and feelings in a peaceful manner. It’s amazing to me that people will defend the burning of the flag but criticize taking a knee during the playing of a song. I ask myself and you, lets examine ourselves and the things we stand for and hold dear before criticizing others for taking a stance for things that we don’t understand or agree with. If you truly understand the protest and feel there is not a problem in this great nation, then my prayers also go out to you. Finally, my question to us all is, “What are we doing to make this a better place?” If the answer is “nothing” then maybe we should first start with the one in the mirror.
I think that the flag is to show that I am proud to be living in the free world. To be able to show that, yes this is my country and I am proud to live here.
Have been over seas and even when these people , who disagree with their government, when the song comes on to stand, sing and salute their flag they do so with pride, for their country.
So, why cant I be proud of my country, its all that I have.
Surely, I am thankful that I do not live in another country.
Yes, you have that freedom to not stand, but in this scenario, do it on your own time.
This is not a matter of football or being a football idolater, it’s a matter of patriotism and respect towards our flag and national anthem I was taught this since I was little , and this country had always been a God fearing country in God we trust , I think as a Christian and American citizen we should set an example to others, God Bless You , all and again we need to examine our hearts in front of the Lord and act accordingly. Example some Christians believe in declaring in their income tax what they give to the Lord , during the whole year , I do not agree with that , how can you expect to give to the Lord expecting it to get it back , again that is my opinion as a Christian , the Lord Blesses us and gives us recompense in many and other ways ,
Perhaps it took this “slap in the face to USA of not honoring our national symbol of the flag” to get our attention to see how some people are in such HUGE need of God’s unconditional LOVE. The result is that for the first time, on a large scale, elected officials and policemen have a listening ear to each other. God is not prejudice to anyone. He made us ALL EQUAL.
Regarding football being an idol, yes, but ANYTHING that comes between us and God is an idol. I DO NOT agree with anyone dishonoring our flag and what it stands for, but I believe if we try to see this through the Eyes of our Heavenly Father we will see the importance of compassion for God’s created PEOPLE more than football or the flag. I pray for GOD’S PEACE and COMPASSION to win out over everything.
Thank you for the ministry you have through this service, I look forward to reading it every day for prayer support for the world of God’s entire people.
As much as I enjoy football, the game has become a god in our nation. Churches even shortenen some of their sermons to get home in time for games, rather than honor the Lord fully on Sundays. The US flag used to stand for our Constitutional Rights as well as honoring our Veterans and unity under God. Since God has been squeezed out of so much of our activities, it follows that our unity would also dissolve. It still is our right to protest, but it is distressing that people protest what is good and right. It is easy to be a critic instead of working to make our nation into one of love and care for our fellowship man.Without Biblical principles, “everyone does what is right in their own eyes.” I pray that we once again humble ourselves before God and submit to His leadership for our own lives and the life of this nation. Then the spirit of patriotism will have its rightful place, in God’s hands.
I read your article with much interest as this topic was bothering me also. However, I still feel for most Christians, me included, this is not a form of idolatry but of patriotism! I am one who thinks if a person such as some of these ball players are given the opportunity to come to America to play a mere game ( or it used to be) they should be thankful enough for that opportunity to at least stand with hand over heart to show that they are glad to be able to be here! But, it has gotten to where they are paid so much money and they have risen in fame and glory and honor so high that they feel they can do as they please! They don’t care about this country and what they have been given and they show it! When Tim Tebow first took a knee, it wasn’t for the same reason and he was given a rough time for thanking God for various reasons! These guys today are merely showing their supporters and fans they can do as they wish- and some have by their language and hand gestures! If they aren’t willing to stand to support the country that has given them so much then they should be sent back to the country they came from! We have too many young people today who honor these players and are emulating their lives and they will try their best to live just like these players who do not care one iota for this country!!
I had come to that very conclusion it is there right to protest. Football, basketball, Hollywood, sports, actors, patriotism. In my heart idol worship. I did not as you did go to my Savior to ask how to respond. He would have answered me, but I believe he said it to you. As you said, I am searching my own heart and see where I may have allowed any idolatrous worship to produce seeds in my thinking and actions. I also will seek the Lord about immigration. As a believer I am confused. I do agree that this nation should have a process for people entering this country legally.
I repent for feeling anger and discouragement against the protestors.
When you look at it from this point of view——-
I am reminded of the fact that while NFL players have the right to protest, this right does not extend to the workplace. I am also reminded of Ecclesiastes 3:1, to paraphrase, there’s a time and place for everything under the sun.
NFL players should play ball or exercise their right of protest off the field.
Thank you