To An Unknown God

Over the centuries, the Greeks have been known for their philosophers and their delight in discourse and debate.  Wikipedia says it was “used to make sense of the world using reason.”  This approach began in Greece around the 6th century BC and was still very much in vogue during and after the time of Christ.

During the first century AD, the Apostle Paul traveled extensively across the known world at that time, preaching and teaching in the various locations on his journeys.  While in Athens, he took the opportunity to “reason” in the synagogue and in the market place every day (Acts 17:17), but was troubled by what he saw as a city “full of idols”  (v. 16).  Because the people loved to discuss and question, they had no problem listening to his ideas, though some did refer to him as an “idle babbler” (v. 18).

Paul addressed them by beginning:

“Men of Athens, I observe that you are very religious in all respects.  For while I was passing through and examining your objects of worship, I also found an altar with this inscription, ‘To An Unknown God’ ”  (v. 22-23).

But, he went on to tell them:

“What, therefore you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you…”   (v. 23) going on to tell them about the One, True God.

Forget about all this Greek philosophy “stuff”.  Let’s put this last sentence in our terms and, as such, get ready to be convicted.  You and me.  In 2022.  Basically, it says

You are ignorant of the very thing you worship.

Think about that!  Many of us would deny that outright and be offended at the thought. claiming we indeed know the very One we worship.  But, is that true?  In an every day, practical sense?  Worship is ascribing “worth-ship” to something or someone.

We talk a big story, but what is our focus?  How do we spend our time?  After all, some of us are retired, but some are still working.  Yet, we still have the same 24 hours in a day.  So, what about your “downtime”?  I understand having small children who take most of one’s time.  Or, any number of other obligations, and granted, there are unforeseen things that arise that prevent anything other than attending to the necessities.  However, under normal circumstances, we all choose and what we choose speaks volumes about what’s important to us.  Is it entertainment, video games, constantly being on our cell phones?  Heaven forbid we might miss the latest news about the Major League Baseball stand-off or who slapped whom at the Academy Awards!

What chews up your day? Is there any nourishment or anything of value there?

Are you basically worshiping an “unknown god”?

“You are ignorant of the very thing you worship.”   (Acts 17:23)