Former Blackout Artist

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. 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 17:22-23

Paul walked into a city full of idols – statues, temples, and altars built for every kind of god the Athenians could imagine. Yet, they still had one labeled “TO AN UNKNOWN GOD,” just in case they had missed one. They were searching, reaching, hoping to cover all their bases. But they needed someone like Paul to tell them the truth – that a god created by human hands is no god at all, that there is only one true God.

And I love that in the very next verse Paul takes them all the way back to the beginning of creation, and over the following verses explains in detail the Gospel of Christ. Sure – some sneered and thought Paul crazy, but others wanted to hear more. Scripture goes on to say that some even became believers and began following Paul, most notably Dionysius – a member of the Areopagus. And tradition has it (according to ancient manuscripts from Eusebius) that Dionysius would go on to become the first bishop of Athens.

But when you think about it, people today aren’t all that different from people back then. They long for something bigger than themselves, whether they realize it or not. Some chase worldly ideas, some chase self-made spirituality. Others hold onto empty traditions, although they’re not sure why. Even in Christian circles, it’s possible to be very “religious” and yet not truly know God. We can go to church, follow routines, and say all of the right words… but if we don’t have a real relationship with Him in our hearts, we’re no different from the Athenians – worshipping without truly knowing.

The truth is that God isn’t distant or unknowable. He has made Himself known through Jesus Christ. We don’t have to guess who He is! Furthermore, He invites us into a relationship with Him, as He reveals Himself to us through His Word, His Spirit, and His creation.

Has “religion” left you wanting more? If so, pick up a Bible and start reading God’s Word, and allow Him to speak life into you. God doesn’t want your religion. He wants you! He wants a real relationship.

Do you?