This week we’re discussing Acts 15.

Today I had one of those annoying moments where I went to look up something to support a

point I wanted to make, only to learn that I was wrong. I searched the history of the fast-food

industry in America to provide examples of how we modern folks want what we want, and the

faster the better. But my search reminded me that even in ancient times there were street

vendors from whom people could buy ready-to-eat food.

So fast food was not a good example. A better example? My own expectation of quickly and

effortlessly proving myself correct. Those who remember pre-internet days will agree that it is

remarkable how easy it is now to get things when you want them. Just today I spent five

minutes researching a somewhat obscure automotive part, clicked a couple of buttons, and it’s

going to appear on my front porch in about forty-eight hours. I also found multiple videos

showing me how to install it.

I think easy access to information, goods, and services is great; but if we’re not careful, it can

lead to wasteful consumerism.

“Don’t collect for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where

thieves break in and steal. But collect for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither

moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. For where your

treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21 HCSB)

What I’m wondering today is if we are less prone to idolize possessions than before because

they are often disposable, but more likely to idolize what they do for us. I’m not at much risk of

idolizing a device like my television because if it breaks, I’ll just go buy another one that’s better.

But I am at risk of idolizing myself because my devices can tell me the news stories I want to

hear, opinions that make me feel self-righteous, and convince me that those who disagree with

me aren’t simply incorrect (or heaven forbid have a valid perspective) but are in fact my

enemies.

Maybe it’s poetic that when I turn off those devices, the dull image that remains reflected in the

shiny black screens is my own face. The entertainment is now gone, but the idol remains.

It is my judgment, therefore, that we ought to stop troubling the Gentiles who turn to

God, but tell them by letter to avoid pollution from idols… (Acts 15:19-20 HCSB)

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob, and father-in-law of Bailey.