As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour (Acts 16:16-18)
Profit is always a motivator. Dr. Gary North is known for constantly reminding Christians to “follow the money.” The slave girl in the above passage was bringing “much gain by fortune-telling.” Like self-professed prophets and psychics, this girl was telling people what they wanted to hear, giving her owners a healthy income in the process.
In Acts 16:18, we read that Paul became “greatly annoyed” with her divination and cast out the spirit. Even the demons know when a real servant of the Most High is among them (James 2:19). It’s time for the Church to become greatly annoyed and begin doing something about the nonsense they see around them. Pushback is happening in some places and at some times, but there needs to be much more. If you’re not annoyed yet, you’re not paying attention.
Restoring the Foundation of Civilization
There are many Christians who will not participate in civilization-building efforts that include economics, journalism, politics, education, and science because they believe (or have been taught to believe) these areas of thought are outside the realm of what constitutes a Christian worldview. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Buy NowOn today’s podcast, Gary discusses recent examples of people becoming greatly annoyed and doing something about it. As encouraging as these examples are, there need to be many more. Christians have allowed themselves to be marginalized and shut out of the political and cultural discussion for far too long.