In the book of Acts as Paul is passing through Athens it says that his spirit was provoked within him because the city was full of idols, being in Thailand I am getting a glimpse of what this means. As we drove from the city of Bangkok to Chang Mai we passed by one golden statue that was close to 100ft tall. In Chang Mai on every street corner is a Buddhist temple, out front of most restaurants you find small portions of food left for the gods. This definitely not home where Christianity has found a solid foothold and churches are as commonplace as Starbucks.
My time here in Thailand this far has been full of heartbreak, hatred, and hope. My heart is broken when I look into the eyes of women selling their bodies simply to provide for a child at home, or because its one of the top paying jobs that they can find. I feel hatred at times when I see men trying to find fulfillment in sex, and when I see people bowing before golden statues. I feel hope when I tell little girls in the bars selling flowers that they are beautiful, or when I give one of our friends in the bar a hug, a pure hug that says I love you because you are my sister in Christ and He wants you to come back home.
A night ago I approached a woman working in the bar that just had a look of hopelessness on her face. She put on a smile as I walked up, probably not because she was happy, more likely she viewed me as a potential customer and knew that she needed the money. I introduced myself, played a few games of pool with her, and talked a bit about her job. As we talked she said, “You know what I do don't you?” I replied, “Yes”, she said, “Its hard.” I pointed to her heart and asked her if it hurt she nodded in agreement. Put yourself in her place, a 12 year old son at home, no husband, and every night the expectation that she will find herself sleeping with a man who cares nothing for her, who just wants to feed an addiction, who needs to bow down to his Idol, sex.
Paul's heart was provoked within him when he was in a city filled with Idols because he understood the implications of such worship. First the God of all glory, Jesus Christ, the only true God was not being worshiped and this is reason to be filled with righteous anger. Second I believe Paul understood what this meant for the people of that city, he understood that everybody worships something. The main cause of sin apart from the fall is worship. We all worship something, but we were made to worship one thing, Jesus. When give our worship to something less we fall victim to all sorts of sin.
People here worship golden images, and false hopes in a god that doesn't exist. Men travel here to worship their idol of sex. Women here sell their bodies some out of desperation, and some chasing the dream that money will fulfill. At home we worship comfort, security, religion, family, the list could go on and on. In 1John the book ends with these words, Little children keep yourself from Idols. Are you fully worshiping our God and savior, or have idols crept in? True life is found in a heart fully given and resting in the grace of Jesus Christ. Cast down your idols and raise your life as living sacrifice to one true God, Jesus. Blessings to all of you.
We got to go elaphant riding the other day! A fun experiece for sure!
