Acts 14:11-15 And when the crowds saw what Paul had done (healed a crippled man), they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds. But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.
My Thoughts
The people saw Paul and Barnabas as gods. It saddened them to be thought of that way...they knew that all power comes from God. It got me to thinking that we so often treat athletes and movie stars like gods...we give them more time than we give God. Don't get me wrong..I am not saying that going to a football game... or buying a shirt to support you favorite team is a sin... or that watching TV is a sin... I think the sin comes in, in the way we do it.
The people could have been thankful for Paul and Barnabas...showed their appreciation for them... but made their sacrifices to God...sent up their thanks to God...they could have given God what God was due for all He done. In the same way we can appreciate our sports teams...and our favorite TV shows... as long as we give God what is due. For instance God expects 10 percent of our money and probably 10 percent of our time... If we spend the evening watching TV but have not taken time out of our day to spend time with God are we not giving TV stars more time than we give God.. in a way worshiping them... If we spend our money to see a football game...or support our football team with team clothing when we have not given God, His 10 percent...are we not putting athletes ahead of God... making them who we worship?
God gave us things to get excited about, to enjoy....but our first excitement should be in Him. He should get the first of our time.. the first of our money...the first of our thoughts...then we are putting Him as our Lord and King.... then we can enjoy the rest...when we put other things ahead of God..we are treating them as gods. We must be very careful to give God his rightful place in our lives.
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