Objects of Worship

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

As Paul walked through the city of Athens he noticed their many objects of worship.  He saw objects, statues, altars and temples made from gold, silver and stone and crafted by human hands.  Paul knew that these people wanted to believe and worship something or someone, but they had placed their belief and directed their worship in all the wrong places.

If Paul were to walk around in your home, what objects of worship might he find?  A television, pocketbook, iPad, computer, smart phone, sports team, job, person, car, clothes, hobby … The list could go on and on and would be different for each of us.  Not that any of these things are bad, but if they begin to consume our time, thoughts and activity then they become our object of worship.

We were created to be religious people; which means we were created to worship.  Unfortunately, like the Athenians, we fill that need with false gods rather than with the one true God.  Is there an object of worship in your life that is keeping you from worshipping God?  If so, re-direct your worship towards God alone.

Prayer:  Thank you Lord for placing within me the desire to worship you.  Forgive me when I fill that desire by worshipping something or someone else.  Help me to keep my worship focused on you and you alone.  Amen.

Faith Tip:  If there is something in your life that takes up a lot of you time, consider taking a fast from it and use that time to focus on God.  For example, turn the TV off for a day or two and use that time to read the Bible.     

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson