Have you ever done or said something foolish? In my first year in ministry we had a first time guest join us for worship. She was “obviously” pregnant, so I asked her when the baby was due? You can probably guess the rest of the story. Let's just say I never asked that question again. A few years later, a man and a woman walked in for the first time. The baby faced young man was considerably shorter than the woman, who introduced herself first. So I asked “and is this your son?” You would think I would have learned by now. Foolishness.
In my First 5 daily devotional we just began a study of Paul's first letter to the Corinthians where he speaks of a different kind of foolishness. In chapter 1 Paul writes “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.” There is a wisdom of the world and a wisdom of God. And often we find that those two are in contradiction. Following the ways of Christ can feel like foolishness to the world. Who in their right mind would put the needs of others ahead of their own? Who would pursue a way of life that calls us to self-sacrifice? Who would follow a leader who teaches us to turn the other cheek when someone strikes us? And for that matter, why would God allow his own son to be put to death for the salvation of the very people who nailed him to the cross or shouted crucify him. There is only one reason. Love.
There is a love that calls us to a higher standard. There is a love that puts others first. There is a love that is altruistic and sacrificial. This is the love of Christ that to some may seem like foolishness. But it is the wisdom of God that; in serving we find meaning, in sacrifice we find fulfillment and in blessing others we find a joy that goes beyond anything that worldly pursuits can offer. So, if pursuing a life in Christ based in the wisdom of God brings us meaning, purpose, fulfillment and true joy, can we really call that foolishness?
Paul described himself later in the book of Corinthians as a fool for Christ. If we understand that to mean one who pursues the wisdom of God over the conventional wisdom of our world, I would accept that moniker. In truth, there is a foolishness that leads to abundant life.
If you haven't been following my First 5 daily devotionals, I would invite you to check it out on the Rock Church Facebook page. Every weekday at 6:00 am I put out a five to seven minute video where we are working our way through a book of the Bible one chapter at a time. It's a great way to start the day. If you'd like to receive a daily email reminder, send me your preferred email address and I'll add you to the list.
Have a wonderful week. I look forward to being together on our livestream worship this Sunday at our new platform at 9:00 am or 10:30 or on Facebook at 9:00 am.
God bless,
Pastor Steve