Mishmash

 In Acts 17:16-34, Paul is in Athens, a city "full of idols" (v. 16).  We are told that the Athenians had so many idols that they even had one "TO AN UNKNOWN GOD."  Verse 21 gives us further insight: "Now all the Athenians and the strangers visiting there used to spend their time in nothing other than telling or hearing something new."  Even after Paul tells them about Creator God, the one True God, and Jesus Christ, they just want to hear him again.  Very few believed.  You see, the Athenians had a mishmash of beliefs and, because of their love of talking and debating new ideas, they just kept adding to the mishmash.  It makes me think of paint colors.  When you see a pretty new color, if you choose to add it to all of the other colors, all you end up with is a really ugly brown.  You have lost all the other colors.  Mixing ideas together doesn't always end up with great thought.  It certainly doesn't end up with noble-mindedness.  Often, we mix ideas that are totally contradictory without even realizing it.  Do you see how much Americans are like the ancient Athenians?  People may be willing to hear your "ideas" (although many don't want to hear anything but a "feel good" message) but they don't want to discard old lies to make room for truth.  They are comfortable in the mishmash, even if it doesn't really make any sense.  Are we comfortable in the mishmash?  or do we seek truth, even when it means discarding lies?  Don't be caught in the mishmash.  Be like Dionysius and Damaris (v. 34) and believe.