This week we’re discussing Acts 15.

I have taken business trips to both China and India. Interestingly, in both countries I was taken

on sightseeing trips that included temples. These temples were very much non-Christian. In

both cases I hesitated to enter them but wanted to be respectful of my hosts. I also knew that if

Jesus was with me, who could be against me?

I did not have much time to contemplate, but I did enter those temples. Both times I felt

compelled to physically hesitate for a symbolic moment before entering and say a silent prayer

to God along the lines of, “We’re good, right? You know I’m just looking around to investigate

the culture. I’m with You.”

But reading this week’s passage has me second-guessing that decision.

…but instead we should write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols… (Acts

15:20 HCSB)

Does that mean I shouldn’t have gone in and used the opportunity to explain why to my non-

Christian co-workers? In the moment it was a split-second decision but something I have

thought about periodically since. The verse above talks about abstaining from things polluted by

idols, and in context it’s more about avoiding food practices originating in idol worship, but I

think we can apply the concept more generally.

Few of us have a golden calf in the closet that we’re tempted by break out and worship, but we

all have some regrets or desires that we occasionally put on a pedestal to gaze upon. For those

struggling with addictions, there are some physical places it’s best just not to go. For those with

an unhealthy or even toxic relationship, there are some people for whom we should still pray,

but with whom we probably should not spend time until something changes in them or in us.

And there might be dark corners of our minds, memories, or thought patterns which themselves

might be idols because of the prominent place we give them.

Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is

pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable – if there is any moral excellence and

if there is any praise - dwell on these things. Do what you have learned and received and

heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:8-9 HCSB)

Maybe instead of second-guessing my visits to those temples long ago, I should use that energy

to focus on why and for Whom I’m headed to church this Sunday.

By Mark Stuart

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