(Read Acts 17)
The first time we visited the Wasatch Mountains, I was blown away by the majesty of the mountains and open spaces. In the eastern U.S., civilization exists everywhere. Not so in the mountainous West. The landscape is too massive, extreme, and rugged to allow for sprawling suburbia. God’s creation overrules mankind’s creation. When viewing this scenery, I had an overpowering sense of awe at what God has done. Rightly so, His work looks enormous, and ours insignificant.
There are also places in the world where the emphasis is placed on our accomplishments. As beautiful of a place as Italy, you can’t help but notice humanity’s greatness rather than God’s on a pedestal. Don’t get me wrong—it’s one of my favorite places on earth—but in some respects, society there is more methodical about the iconification of our creations than Him.
We often get too religious when nothing we do, say, or think earns God’s favor. We don’t earn His love. No matter how observant and dutiful we are when, the heart of our worship isn’t centered solely on God, it’s shallow and hollow.
While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there. A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to debate with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection.
Acts 17:16-18
Paul found himself in Athens, a city renowned for its philosophical and religious diversity. While the Athenians boasted of their city’s cultural superiority, Paul, as a formerly devout Jew and a new follower of Christ, was deeply troubled by the prevalence of idolatry in the city. The sight of numerous idols and shrines dedicated to various gods would have shocked anyone with a deep faith in the one triune God.
Despite his alienation, Paul didn’t remain passive. He engaged in dialogue and debate, both in the synagogue among fellow Jews and with the broader public in the marketplace. Paul’s approach exemplified his commitment to spreading the message of Christianity. Nothing would stop him. Paul’s apologetics of Jesus and His resurrection were the central tenets of his preaching. They provoked curiosity among his audience, even though His adversaries dismissed his teachings as mere babble. It’s also disheartening but not surprising that contemporary culture rewards and praises human contributions at the price of Godly things.
Do you ever feel that way as you look at our confused culture? It seems as though anything goes—except for Christian-based principles. Paul could have cursed the darkness in Athens. But he instead turned on the light. He stood his ground respectfully, offering dialog, hope, and answers to a society that thought they had everything. Imagine a modern-day prophet challenging the intellectual and cultural elites in New York City with the life-saving truths of the Gospel, not in private, but publicly — in Times Square. Picture this same person challenging the uber-educated editors of the New York Times. It’s not about clashing with the norms of an established culture to stir up trouble; it’s about exposing darkness to a civilization that has things upside down.
So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.
Acts 17:22-25
What a great approach to people who consider themselves godly, even “holier than thou.” The Athenians thought they were at the center of the universe because of their religiosity. They were better than other cultures because they permitted every religion to speak its voice, even to an unknown god. Paul shined the light of truth on this manner of thinking when he introduced one God, the Creator God, who is above all things and transcends human hands and service. The anything-goes philosophy isn’t wrong because it permits freedom of voice and expression; it’s wrong because it puts human-oriented thinking first above God. In their minds, strict adherence to unquestionable tolerance made their beliefs acceptable and inclusive, but the claim that every spoke of a wheel leads to the center is every bit of an exclusive claim, as there is only one way to God, the Father, through His son, Jesus Christ.
John Piper wisely wrote, “You can be religious and be as far away from God as it is possible. And Paul noticed.” Many Athenians probably knew of the LORD God, but instead they were looking for an easier way out and found it through their false religions. Paul confronted them with the silliness of the unknown god. He asked them why they were giving props to something they claimed they didn’t know when there was something far superior that they should be giving props to.
Unlike the Greek gods (and all of our current idols), who were often depicted as dependent on human worship and offerings, Paul taught that the Christian God is the source of all life and existence. This challenged the Athenians’ worldly view of religion and invited them to consider a more profound understanding of the Divine. Rather than condemning or dismissing their religiously diverse and intellectually sophisticated audience outright, Paul used common ground as a starting point to introduce them to the Christian faith and, in the process, challenged their worldview with the truth of the Gospel.
I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they will always fear me and that all will then go well for them and for their children after them.
Jeremiah 32:39
All people, including the Israelites, struggle to follow God’s ways. This verse promises a change of heart – when we worship God, He will give us new hearts capable of truly fearing and worshipping Him. Worshipping God brings blessings not just for us now but also for our descendants. Instead of being divided in our allegiance or pursuing our own selfish desires, God promises to unify us in heart and purpose. When we align with God’s ways, we experience His blessings and favor, which surpasses any earthly wealth we can achieve.
“Props” originates from African American Vernacular English, which means giving someone recognition, admiration, or credit for something they have done well. By giving props, you are acknowledging their accomplishments, skills, or actions in a positive way. It’s a way of showing respect or appreciation for someone’s efforts or achievements.
Why do we give God props? It’s for us, not for Him. He doesn’t need it. When we treated our daughter’s friend to lunch recently, we weren’t expecting a thank you. We didn’t need it. Either way, we would think the same about her friend – but it made us smile when we heard it. Saying thank you and being reverent for something given to you says more about you and your character than the gift. Recognition of God puts us right with Him in a position of gratitude. When we’re thanking someone, we’re rightly placed in the natural order of things.
I will never forget my last conversation with my Mom. I had just visited with her a few days before, but her body was ravaged by the effects of metastatic cancer, and she didn’t have much more time. It wasn’t because I had to, but after telling her how much I loved her, I thanked her for everything she ever did for me – everything she put up with, everything she taught me, and everything she gave up for me. At this point in her life, it wasn’t about me looking good or being the best son I could be. It was about love and gratitude. I wanted her to know that.
“If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
Peter 4:11
Our desire to support and lift others reflects God’s grace. When we use these gifts, we become vessels of God. Every encouraging word we share echoes the sentiments of God Himself. Likewise, every act of service we offer draws upon God’s boundless power. By prioritizing a life centered on praising God, we not only get to see Him more clearly, but we also become included participants in His grand design.
Key Applications:
- Look for areas of commonality or shared values where meaningful dialogue can occur as a starting point to foster understanding of the Gospel.
- Instead of “converting” others, focus on sharing your faith authentically and inviting others to explore it further if they’re interested.
- Ask God to help you navigate conversations with grace, wisdom, and love and to open doors for sharing the truth of the Gospel in sensitive and impactful ways.
Where else in your life can you live out the teachings of Christ? Look for next week’s Devotion.