“While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was deeply troubled by all the idols he saw everywhere in the city. He went to the synagogue to reason with the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles, and he spoke daily in the public square to all who happened to be there.”
Acts of the Apostles 17:16-17 NLT
During the recent Grammy awards, there were some interesting musical performances and speeches. Perhaps the most disturbing was the performance of the song “unholy” by Sam Smith. He dressed up like Satan and had dancers “worshipping” him. The CBS Twitter account even tweeted “we’re ready to worship” before the performance (CBS broadcasted the show). Clearly, this was disgusting and evil. What’s worse to me, though, is the Church’s response to it. There have been Christians who briefly remarked on it, but there have been many who either chose to ignore it or didn’t even notice it. Even when given the same stage to receive an award afterwards, Christian artists didn’t use that platform to speak.
In this passage, Paul has arrived in Athens and he’s waiting for Silas and Timothy to join him so they can continue on their missionary trip. While he’s waiting, he notices all of the idolatry that’s prevalent in the city. And it deeply troubles him. His immediate response was to go preach the gospel, and speak against the rampant idolatry.
In this world, there is evil all around us. There are idols everywhere. And it’s getting more and more blatant and in our faces. But are we deeply troubled by it? Or are we oblivious to it? Does it move us to action as it did Paul? Or do we ignore it? Do we speak and act against it? Or do we compromise with it?
Let’s pray that God helps us to examine ourselves. Let’s pray that He gives us the knowledge of anything in us that has been compromised, and helps us to repent. Then, let’s pray that He gives us the words to speak out and the courage to act out against the worsening evil around us. As Brian Courtney Wilson sang, our faith, our family and God’s kingdom are all worth fighting for.