Does Matthew 24:7 Apply to Modern Competitive Sports?

Matthew 24:7

7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

The rising of nation against nation in the context of competitive sports is indeed a fulfillment of the principle where intense energy is diverted from spiritual preparation to selfish worldly excitement. 🌿 While Matthew 24:7 speaks broadly of global conflicts, the spirit of "nation rising against nation" is vividly mirrored in the competitive fervor of international sports like the World Cup, where national pride and "strivings for mastery" absorb the power and ability that should be consecrated to God1SM 131.2+1.

The Spiritual Nature of Modern Sports

Satan has ingeniously devised sports and games to keep the mind so occupied and entranced that the day of probation might end with the soul still unreadySW October 3, 1905, par. 8. ⚽

• A Subtle Deception: The world is currently filled with sport and pleasure-loving interests that create a "fever of unrest," leaving little time for the Creator of the heavens and the earth4BC 1145.10+1.

• The Competitive Spirit: In events where nations compete, the atmosphere is often polluted with evil angels, and the mind becomes "drunken with excitement," dropping eternal things out of the reckoningRH March 6, 1894, par. 1.

• A Counterfeit Worship: Satan has invented sports into which men enter with such intensity that one would suppose a crown of life was the reward, rather than a perishable earthly honor 1 Corinthians 9:25RH September 10, 1901, par. 5.

Impact on the Christian Walk

Engagement in these intense nationalistic diversions has several detrimental effects on our spiritual life:

• Mental and Moral Weakness: A primary cause of mental inefficiency is the lack of concentration for worthy ends, as the mind is hurried from one amusement to anotherAH 521.1+1.

• Obstruction to Prayer: Reading about or participating in fascinating worldly interests unfits the mind for the sacred work of prayer and makes the Word of God feel distastefulMYP 383.2+1.

• Idolatry of Self: Many professing Christians follow the world in these excitements, becoming "lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God," which prevents them from receiving the righteousness of Christ 2 Timothy 3:4PH154 28.2+1.

The True Goal for Nations and Individuals

While the world jostles for the highest place in games and trade, the true Christian is called to a different kind of raceARSH January 21, 1902, page 37.1+1. 🏃‍♂️

• The Immortal Prize: We are urged to press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, a reward that is infinitely superior to the fleeting joys of a cricket match or a football game Philippians 3:14Ev 267.4.

• A Time for Sobriety: This is no time to be careless or engaged in foolish diversions, as the judgments of God are in the world and every case is about to be eternally decided17LtMs, Lt 49, 1902, par. 6+1.

• Preparation for the Higher School: Instead of training in the customs and games of a polluted society, the youth should be educated to be co-laborers with heavenly intelligences11LtMs, Ms 9, 1896, par. 2+1.

God calls us to turn our attention from the confusion and perplexity of these worldly matches and instead admire His handiwork and study His Word4BC 1145.10+1. By beholding the character of Jesus rather than the mastery of athletes, our minds take a more elevated turn and we find the only true source of happinessMYP 383.2+1. 🕊️