Some information is provided on a “need-to-know” basis. There are spheres in life where it is possible to be active and productive without knowing all the details. However, the more we know about something, the more likely we will be properly associated with it.
As Paul walked around Athens, he was struck by a distressing sight. He noticed “that the city was full of idols.” (Acts 17:16) Was this a smorgasbord (pick what you want) situation or was there an attempt to simply cover the bases by worshipping them all? Was it a sign of superstition and just as baseless as being fearful of a Friday the thirteenth? To note the residents here as a worshipful people would be right for even Paul referred to them as such when he stated, “I perceive that in every way you are very religious.” (Acts 17:22 ESV) Let us be warned that it is possible to be “very religious” without necessarily being right!
Paul went on to state. . .
“(23) 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.” (Acts17:23 ESV)
“To the unknown god”! Does that appear to be an attempt to cover all bases; to make sure there was a focus on even the one they hadn’t thought of yet? However, how could they worship what they did not know? How would they know what kind of worship would please this “unknown god”? To worship implies worth (worth-ship) being acknowledged, devoted to, and reverenced. Would worshipping the unknown be like having a devotion to ignorance since nothing was known about this god? Paul went on to share the truth about The God Who was the Creator of all life, not some image forged or created by humans.
In Paul’s letter to Titus, he referred to those who professed to “know God”, but whose actions told a different story. (Titus 1:16) John noted that to know God is to love. (1 John 4:8) Therefore, both Paul and John agreed that to know God produces changes in life that are compatible with His Will. Ignorance cannot produce such change.
How is our knowing God changing our life? Do our actions reflect we truly do know Him? To truly know God will continue to draw us closer to Him and His Will. It will also draw us into the devotion of worship He is due as our life’s Creator and Sustainer. May we find great comfort in knowing the One Who knows us even better than we know ourselves as we learn to appreciate it is “in him we live and move and have our being.” (Acts 17:28 ESV) Let us live in a manner others will be able to see there is no other beside Him.
Have a great day BEING TRANSFORMED BY THE ONE WHO KNOWS US BEST!
Carl
