Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Foolish in the Eyes of the World

1 Corinthians 3: 18-23

 

“Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise.  For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight”

 

Today’s passage goes counter to what many judge as the true measure of wisdom. Some think that being wise is having so many degrees attached to the name. Education is important but wisdom before God is attained in a different manner.  We learn that one has to be ‘foolish’ in the eyes of the world in order to be wise in the sight of God but what does Paul actually mean by being ‘foolish’? 

There is a distinct difference in the way of the world and the way of God.  This is a constant struggle for Christians as we receive mixed signals.  We are told that first impressions are very important.  When going on a job interview, individuals put much emphasis on how they are dressed, groomed and their mannerisms.  These first impressions can often make or break a possible opportunity.  People are judged by their outward appearances.  Other things that define a person in today’s materialistic society are their education, profession, salary, homes and cars.  People are valued by what they gather during their life.  These visible expressions are superficial.

God focuses on the heart of a person.  He wants us to submit totally and be faithful to Him.  Rather than being independent as the world dictates, God wants us to be totally dependent on Him.  That trust goes against what the world teaches us.  The famous economist Milton Friedman once said that the reason capitalism works is because “the world runs on individuals pursuing their separate interests.”  Where the world tells individuals to amass wealth, Christ is telling us to use one’s talents for others and God’s glory.  Rather than being first on line, Christ tells us to be last.  In order to save one’s life, they must lose it to Christ.  God’s way goes against the rational thought of this world.

Christ must have seen foolish during His time.  When he was hungry, he did not feed himself (Matthew 4:1-4).  When he was being accused, he did not defend himself (Matthew 27:11-14).  As he was crucified, he forgave those who put him to death (Luke 23:34).  We now know that Christ is sitting at the right hand of the Father in all His glory. In order to be wise, we must submit ourselves to God and realize that the creator, provider and sustainer of this world knows better than us.  It is when we admit to ourselves that there are no better plans than those that God has laid out for us, we become wise

Prayer:  Heavenly father, we ask you to forgive us for thinking that we know what is best for our lives.  Help us to be ‘foolish’ to the world we live in but wise in your eyes by submitting our life in to your hands.  Amen.
Thought for the day:  Other than the master of this universe, is there anyone else who we should put our total trust in? 


Tom Philip, St. Peter’s MTC, NJ


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