READING: Acts 17–18:18
TEXTS AND APPLICATION: A quick look around our culture reveals idolatries everywhere. Fame. Money. Sex. Power. Possessions. Media. All of us could add others to this list.
Place on top of these idolatries some of the “ism’s” that mark our culture, such as humanism and secularism. On another layer add the world religions with a growing presence among us.
Look then at so many other evidences of the enemy’s work. Broken homes. Fallen ministers. Growing pornography. Fighting churches. False teaching. It doesn’t take long to see the enemy’s influence.
The question for us is whether we’re genuinely and deeply disturbed by the seeming victories of evil around us. The apostle Paul made his way to Athens in Acts 17, and he was deeply troubled by what he saw there: “While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, his spirit was troubled within him when he saw that the city was full of idols” (Acts 17:16). There he saw statues, artwork, and temples that represented the false religions of that city. So prevalent were the gods that one ancient writer said it was easier to find a god than it was to find a man in Athens — and Paul stood in an ongoing agitation at the enemy’s work.
Do I similarly grieve over the sin around me in our culture? Is my soul truly agitated at what I see? Do I see the depth of demonic influence around me and bear a burden for the lost world? If I am truly provoked by sin, I will do what Paul did: share the gospel with others.
ACTION STEPS: Even on this Thanksgiving holiday, be aware of lostness around you. Take note of idolatries you see, and pray for God to release people from those bondages.
PRAYER: “Father, stop me if I ever take idolatry for granted. Give me Your eyes to see the world today.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 1 Thessalonians 1-5; 2 Thessalonians 1-3
