Each year on September 13, Defy Superstition Day is celebrated in America as people deal with events or processes that cannot be explained by science or reason.  Often, superstitions begin with very logical reasoning, but over time they get blown out of proportion.  Superstitions are usually beliefs with no factual support, but many people still choose to follow them.  Some believe that following superstitions can bring them good luck, while others are afraid of what will happen if they do not follow them.  Many of these superstitions are harmless, and can lead to discrimination, prejudice, and even violence, and this is especially true when they are combined with religious beliefs.

        “Words from Above” in the Bible tell us that the apostle Paul came to the conclusion that the people in the city of Athens were what he called “too superstitious”.  He bases this on the fact that they had constructed an altar which was inscribed with the words, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD”.  He took this as an opportunity to tell them that this “unknown” god that they ignorantly worshipped was the true and living God of heaven.  He told them that He was the one who made the world and every thing in it, that He was the Lord of heaven and earth, and that He did not live in temples made with people’s hands.

        Paul went on to say that God is not to be worshipped as an idol made with people’s hands, and that He gives life and breath to all things.  Paul also said that the future of the world was in the hands of God and that God sets limits on what people do.  He pointed out that God invites people to seek Him, and that He desires for them to find Him, not being far from any one of them.  One of the most important things that Paul had to say about God was that “in Him we live, and move, and have our being”. 

Paul then concluded that God was no longer overlooking the ignorance of people as far as their beliefs were concerned, but desires for all people to repent.  He explains that the major reason that God wants people to repent is that God has appointed a day on which He will judge the world for its failure to do so.  He speaks about God sending His Son Jesus into the world to die on the Cross to pay the penalty for the sins of all the people of the world.  Those who accept this payment for their sins can thankfully escape God’s judgment, and instead receive God’s eternal reward, namely eternal life for their soul.

Larry R. Steffee is pastor of the Center Hill Brethren In Christ Church on Miller Road in Smithville.  Everyone is welcome to attend.  For informa-tion, you may email lrsteffeetn@yahoo.com.