American Idols

Acts 17:16

Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols.

i•dol ( d l)
n.
1.
a. An image used as an object of worship.
b. A false god.
2. One that is adored, often blindly or excessively.
3. Something visible but without substance.

One of the most watched TV shows in America and maybe across the world is “American Idol,’ where they scour the United States in search of the next big Star who has that crossover appeal and wins the adoration of many viewers. The whole premise of the show is to find someone who is talented enough to merit the adoration of the American fans, but the problem is America already has too many idols. When you look at the definition of an idol we have too many idols that we worship. We have traded our allegiance for God to false gods who are visible but have no substance. We put more passion into our flag than we do our faith. We are more concerned with stabilizing our political base that we are coming up with a stimulus plan to stabilize our economy. On the back of our money it says, “In God We Trust” but over the years God has lost our trust and money has become our god. Rappers, athletes, and actors have taken the place of Parents, Pastors and Leaders, and some Preachers have taken the place of Jesus.

We have too many idols. Even our Patriotism has substituted our defense of all things American for what Jesus would have called hypocrisy. Some of our religious beliefs have become ends within themselves while ignoring the need to reach the heart of the sinner.

Paul walked into a city overtaken with idols. They had so many that even had a statue dedicated to the “unknown god” just in case they missed one.
There are many different faiths and beliefs in America. When we use to say, “In God We Trust,” we knew which God we were talking about. How we navigate through this landfill of idol gods will determine whether or not we will be the next American Idol or actually turn people back to the true and living God. Christianity itself is in danger of becoming America’s next great idol, an image used as an object of worship on that is adored, often blindly or excessively, something visible but without substance. We have a form of godliness but no power to go with it.

Paul shows us how to navigate through idol worshiping and connect to the hearts of people in search of the Unknown God. John Maxwell in his book “21 Laws of Leadership” shows us seven steps Paul used in the Power of Connection:

1. He began with affirmation (v22). Men of Athens I perceive that in all things you are very religious.

2. He bridged his subject with the familiar (v.23) He started with the statue of the Unknown God.

3. He enlarged their vision of God (vv 24-25).

4. He used inclusive Language (v. 26). Red, Yellow, Black and White they are precious in his sight.

5. He gave them encouragement and Hope. (v. 27). We all are looking for God.

6. He identified with some of their own poets. (v. 28) Even Tupac wanted to know doesn’t Heaven have a ghetto.

7. He gave them specific action steps (vv. 29-31) once you know better you do better.
Effective leaders connect before they expect. Only when Paul had built relational bridges with the people did he issue a clear call to repent.

Dear God help us to connect with people where they are so we can lead them to where you are. My goal is not to get them to worship me but to lift up Jesus that they may be drawn to him. You are the true and living God, there is none like you. I can search for all eternity Lord and find that there is none like you. Thank you for being my God and not my American idol.

In Jesus Name,

Amen