My recent journey to Greece was not just a trip; it was a pilgrimage, a walk in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul with some incredible friends led by John Maxwell and Marc Turnage. Inspired by Acts 17:16-34, we embarked on this adventure to understand how Paul communicated his message and how we could emulate his approach in our lives.
Our Arrival in Athens: Day One of Our Journey
Arriving in Athens, I was struck by the rich tapestry of history and culture that surrounded me. The same streets Paul walked, the agora where he debated, and the hills where he preached were all within reach (Mars Hill was pretty cool!). It was here that Paul noticed the city's countless idols, like Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom, Craft, and Warfare, and felt a deep need to address the Athenians in a way that resonated with their beliefs and practices. We were taught that the downward spiral of the Romans began when they stopped worshiping the Creator and started worshiping idols made by hands.
Lessons from Paul's Approach
Paul's method was simple yet profound. He observed, understood, and then spoke. He didn't condemn the Athenians for their beliefs; instead, he found common ground. By referencing their own poets and an altar to an unknown god, Paul connected with them in a meaningful way. This taught me an important lesson about sharing my faith: speak to people in a way they can understand, respecting their background and beliefs.
Being a Light to the Nations
In our modern world, we are called to be a light to the nations, much like Paul was in his time. This means having a positive impact on those around us by living out our faith authentically. However, discernment is also required to determine the non-negotiables of our faith. Paul's journey in Greece underscored the importance of unwavering faith in the face of cultural differences.
Abandoning False Idols
Reflecting on Romans 1, I was reminded that no gold, silver, or stone should take precedence over our faith. The Athenians had countless idols, but Paul redirected their worship to the one true God. In our lives, we must identify and abandon our own modern-day idols—anything that distracts us from our faith and purpose.
Walking Like Paul
My journey through Greece wasn't just a historical exploration; it was a spiritual awakening. I learned that to share my faith effectively, I must first understand and empathize with those I wish to reach. Paul's ability to communicate complex theological truths in relatable ways is a model for us all.
Conclusion
As I walked the streets of Athens, I felt a profound connection to Paul's mission. His journey taught me the power of adaptable communication, unwavering faith, and the importance of being a light in the world. Inspired by Paul, I strive to share my faith in a way that others can understand, making a lasting impact on the world around me.
Our group was left to ponder a few things: Do we compromise our position of faith for our business? Do we keep in mind that it's God's business? Do we try and reason with God or 'outsmart' Him?
At the end of the day, ask God, "God, are you proud of me today?" If the answer isn't yes in your heart, ask for guidance and forgiveness and for Him to help you do better tomorrow. Most importantly, understand that God is full of grace, love, and kindness, and HE IS YOUR biggest cheerleader!
Remember Paul's ways: observe, understand, speak. You, too, can impact the world one minute, one hour, and one day at a time.
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