Passage of the Day:
While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. 17 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. 18 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. 19 Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? 20 You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we would like to know what they mean.” 21 (All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.) 22 Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. 23 For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown god. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you, Acts 17:16-23.
Reflection:
While Luke only details Paul and Silas praising God inside a prison in Philippi, there was likely discussions between other prisoners prior to singing. During a visit to Athens, Paul carefully studied Greek culture. Waiting for other missionary partners to arrive, Paul was searching for a way to appeal and relate to this part of the world. Unfortunately, Paul found himself surrounded by idols dedicated to pagan gods. This search for common ground broke Paul’s heart, worried that he wouldn’t be able to connect with local residents. However, Paul didn’t give up, looking for something positive to start a conversation in the marketplace. This careful observation uncovered a poem, and an altar dedicated to an unknown god. Rather than turn people off by telling them that they were going to hell, Paul begins with a compliment followed about a declaration, excited about introducing the Athenians to the living God. This is how you talk to lost people.
Prayerful Action:
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 1 Peter 3:15.
Developing the Spiritual Guts to Press On:
Few Christians possess the gift of evangelism, sharing Christianity with the spiritually lost. However, anyone who claims to be a Christian possesses the light of Christ inside their heart, Matthew 5:14-16. This is the passage that inspired the famous children’s song This Little Light of Mine. You don’t have to be an ordained preacher or teacher to illuminate God’s love. The key to winning people over is consistency, genuineness and a respectful spirit that meets others where they are in their lives. If you start with what you have in common, this may lead to earning someone’s trust for you to be heard.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
I started writing letters to friends in college. Since I was never eloquent, writing in a much more effective manner for me to share my faith. May the lyrics of today’s song inspire you to start thinking about ways you can begin sharing your faith with non-Christians in your spheres of influence.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 