So the word of the Lord grew mightily and
prevailed.
Acts 19:20
Paul’s world worshiped
idols. No idol was more revered in Ephesus than the goddess Diana. The great
statue was housed in a magnificent temple and was recognized as one of the
wonders of the world. An idol-making industry, providing a livelihood for many
people, developed in Ephesus to support the widespread idolatry of the day.
Paul did not go to
Ephesus to condemn those worshiping idols but to unashamedly proclaim the good
news of Jesus Christ. As Paul shared the truths of God, and as people were set
free from sin’s , idol worship began to decline. The contrast between stone
carvings and God’s power to change lives became obvious. The righteous lives of
the Christians stood in stark contrast to the hedonistic practices of the idol
worshipers. The victorious Christian witness was so compelling that the economy
of the entire city was thrown into upheaval as idolatry diminished in favor of
Christianity.
An idol is anything
that diverts our devotion from God. Our society is as idolatrous as Paul’s was.
Rather than worshiping statues, we choose possessions, pleasures, or careers as
our gods and pour our time, finances, and energy into these things.
Each of us is called,
as Paul was, to live a victorious, joyful, and purposeful Christian life in the
midst of an idolatrous society. We do not have to seek out and condemn today’s
idols. Rather, as we live out our Christianity, enjoying the abundant life God
gives, our lives will discredit the idols around us. We may face opposition and
hostility from those who are angered at the contrast between our God and
theirs. People do not like to have their idols dethroned! Yet as we uphold
Christ, others will see a difference and be drawn to Him and the life that He
offers.
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