Newsworthy?

Now all the Athenians and the strangers visiting there used to spend their time in nothing other than telling or hearing something new. - Acts 17:21

So enamored were those in Athens with that which they had never heard that anyone with something new to tell could gain an instantaneous and ardent hearing. In fact, Demosthenes (an ancient Greek political leader) once remarked that the Athenians were going about asking for the latest news at the same moment the invading Macedonian armies were knocking at their door! It was into this teeming "circus" of intellectual gossip that Paul the apostle arrived with the best news ever told, the good news (gospel) of Jesus Christ!

It appears that our "current" world, or at least the developed world, has become a modern-day "Athens." Twenty-four hour news cycles, incessant smartphone notifications, and text messages from dear friends and family ensure that we will not only know "if it happens," but also immediately "when," usually in detail. For the person who believes and also engages in intercessory prayer such information may be welcome and useful. At the same time, these interruptions may disturb, disquiet, and lead to disinterest simply as a result of emotional and intellectual overload.

Whether "telling" or "hearing," the Christ-follower must (like Paul) strive to remain committed to the oft-unseen spiritual side of the human condition and be sure to share (in the midst of all the other news that we deem vital and important) God's redemptive work in Christ Jesus. Likewise, of all the news we end up hearing, we must listen and discern within it all the ways by which God might accomplish His purpose, seeking continually by prayer and purpose that His will be done.

It's a 60-second news cycle now, it's instantaneous. It has never been easier to get away with telling lies. - Malcolm Turnbull