Fools For Christ

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.” - 1 Corinthians 1:18-19

"The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." - 1 Corinthians 2:14

Think about the implication of those verses. What you believe to be eternal Truth is considered foolishness to the rest of the world. So if I believe something that is actually foolishness then that would make me a fool. Have you known any fools in your lifetime? All of the television and internet political pundits that are watched and listened to by millions of people, rail against people aligned with particular political parties essentially calling them fools - not to be trusted. Fools are people that are to be disregarded - ignored - mocked - or worse - persecuted. To the lost - which is the majority of mankind, Christians are fools. That is because the only way that a human can understand spiritual Truth and not consider it foolishness is by their conversion and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Up to that point, if they are ever born again, it is all gibberish and those whose espouse it are fools. In their minds, Christians are people to be pitied. Paul wanted the church in Corinth to understand this - to not be surprised by it and to not expect it to be any different before Jesus returns for His Bride, the Church.  

"For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now." 1 Corinthians 4:9-13

The apostles were at the "top of the spiritual ladder". But they did not consider being in that position something to take pride in as the Pharisees did. Instead they understood the responsibility and so, were willing to become fools for Christ. What was Paul saying? In its essence, he was saying that the apostles were willfully going the way of Jesus. " ... we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now." Does that remind you of Jesus? It should.

The question in front of us is this. Are we willing to be outcasts to our culture, our families, the people we identify with by race or financial position or political persuasion in favor of being embraced by God that some might be saved?  Are we willing to give up what the world treasures for the sake of the Gospel? How important is acceptance to you? How important is financial security to you? Or, are you ready to quell your beliefs, to watch and listen in silence as the world drifts farther and farther from God, in favor of be acceptable to the people you work with or perhaps even your family? Or are you willing to be thought of as a fool because of your faith and life choices mandated by that faith?

"This world is not my home I'm just a passing through. My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue. The angels beckon me from heaven's open door. And I can't feel at home in this world anymore. Oh lord you know I have no friend like you. If heaven's not my home then lord what will I do. The angels beckon me from heaven's open door. And I can't feel at home in this world anymore." Albert E. Brumley, This World Is Not My Home 

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone