A City of Idols

A long time ago, in a far away place, a city of cultural sophistication called Athens, a man whose name was Paul, was just passing through town.  He noticed to his dismay, that there were many hand-carved figures that were in actuality, gods the people had invented; hand-carved figures made from wood, stone and silver, devised to be worshiped for their supposed benefits.  In case a god had been overlooked, and they would suffer the consequences of not receiving the benefits that particular god could provide, the town’s people made an altar, which they devoted to “the unknown god.”

altar to "the unknown god"

Before long, Paul complimented the townsfolk on their spirituality.  In their central meeting place where they loved to discuss things of interest, some spent almost all their free time, and they were pleased to hear him say they were religious.  However, he was soon telling them that “the unknown god” could now be known, and that the Lord God is the only God to whom all praise is due.  He told them how much they were loved by this 'one and only God.'  The people wanted to know more about the God they had not known, not that they were ready to give up all their gods, but because they loved discussions.  Paul explained that anything that distracts a person from worshiping God, is an idol.

Paul reminded them that God created all things for their benefit and study.  As they observed the intricacies of His creation, they would have no excuse for not believing in only one God as Creator and Sustainer of life.

In our cities and towns, we have many idols too, just as they had idols long ago in Athens.  However, they are not hand-carved figures, but things admired more than God.  What are those idols that are worshiped instead of God?  They are things such as great wealth, extravagant homes and cars, hobbies that consume enormous amounts of time, and collections of exotic artwork.  All are idols depending on the extent to which they are give a more prominent place than God.  Movie actors, actresses, sports people and significant individuals are idolized.  Excessive attention to things like television, possessions and sports, distract a person from praising God.  Even Christian service and church can be idolized as occasions to meet friends, rather than convenient places to worship God.  He deserves our praise for the many abilities He has given us.

Paul explained to the people that God isn’t an image made by man’s design and skill, but that by Him we have our being.  He is so near that we may reach out and touch Him.  He came to prove His love for us, and yet we crucified Him on the cross.  God has power over life and death, and in time He that was crucified will judge us all.  Just as it was long ago, when Paul explained this to the Athenians, some people will sneer while others will want to hear more about God.  Some will believe and others won’t, and they will continue to worship their own gods, which they have designed for themselves.  God the creator of the universe came to earth as a person to whom we can relate in a personal way.  We can observe everything He has created, and it’s all for our benefit.  We need no idols to take the place of God.  We need only to acknowledge and worship Him.

Hallowe'en Invites Our Imaginations

Hallowe’en is an evening of fun, a respite from reality, and a celebration to help anyone imagine that there are actually ghosts, goblins and spirits of people who are deceased.  It is designed to be scary, yet it provides the setting to use one’s imagination.  At one time, Hallowe’en was definitely pagan, but in recent years, it has become an occasion to entertain children and celebrate the congeniality of neighbors, even for those not enthusiastic about witches, devils and werewolves.

Around the neighbourhood of our grandchildren, families demonstrated their excitement by the extravagant way in which their yards and homes were decorated to entertain kids by sights and sounds and by treats to show their love.

Our evening began with a family dinner at the home of our daughter, son-in-law and three grandchildren.  Both sets of grandparents were invited.   Our grandchildren are ten, eight and six; ideal ages to dress up in their costumes and pretend to be someone else.  One was a doctor, another Elvis, and the youngest, a pumpkin.  It was a perfect evening to collect bags of candy and chocolates.  We went with our grandkids’ parents to enjoy the excitement and experienced their pleasure as we meandered down the street, meeting many parents who were in costume.  Houses were decorated with spiders, skeletons that moved, gravestones, pumpkins expertly carved, flashing lights and frightening shadows.  The artistry of parents and their desire to make this a memorable event was evident by their originality.

The kids came home laden with so much that one can only imagine what was to be done with the excess.  While so much candy can be injurious to the teeth, one householder gave each kid a huge O Henry bar with a toothbrush taped to it.  That was a thoughtful handout!  Talking about handouts, our young people from White Rock Baptist Church, came with a van and collected food for the local food bank.  

Unfortunately, there are some that think Halloween is their excuse to vandalize.  Some yard decorations needed repair before the big night, and in the city of Vancouver, fireworks were used to wreak destruction on several schools.  In spite of Hallowe’en being a happy event, there are those who react adversely, not realizing they’d have a better time by making it a party occasion.

Though Hallowe’en has its origin in imaginations resting on evil, it has transpired into something good, as a way for kids to dress as various characters, mostly good ones like Spiderman, Cinderella, Elvis, or an animal character.  It’s an evening when neighbors visit happily along the way as they keep an eye on their children, and share a family time with their kids and the grandparents.  The time before bed was one to tell stories about the night and reminisce about Hallowe'ens of the past when our own kids were just like them, hoarse from calling out “trick or treat.”