Devotions: Life or Foolishness

 

For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 1:18 New American Standard Bible 1995

 

Christianity is kind of a counterintuitive religion in that it is contrary to the ways and ideas of the world. What the world praises, God generally condemns. What the world esteems or thinks wise or good, God says is foolish and bad. The way the world thinks we should live and be saved is by trying to be good and living to please ourselves. However, that is the opposite of what the Bible says. True salvation is found in Jesus’ sacrifice, and He says we are to live according to His Word which is a lifestyle of self sacrifice and putting others first. There is nothing we can do to earn His love or forgiveness. The world rebels at this idea for it is completely contrary to our desire for independence. God uses those who are weak and inept in themselves, those the world rejects as worthless, to accomplish His work so that His glory is shown. He intentionally chooses those who could not do it themselves so that it is obvious He was the one at work. Instead of saying “come to me when you are good enough” God says “come to me as you are and I will make you perfect.” That is the power of God. He does what is impossible for us. He takes the broken and makes them perfect and beautiful. He saves the lost. It is all through Him, and done in a completely unthinkable way, according to the world. He accepts those the world rejects. He perfects those who are broken. He rescues those who are beyond hope. He saves those who do not deserve it and loves the unlovable. Ironically, often those whom the world deems the best and wisest are those who remain lost because they rely on themselves and refuse to humble themselves before God. The world sees what God does and requires as foolish. They mock and scorn it. But to those who are saved, who believe and follow Him, it is what gives us the power to endure and flourish. Only by the power of God could we go through horrific and unjust circumstances and still be able to find joy and praise God. The world is baffled by this behavior. It is unthinkable. It is only possible through the “foolish” power of God.

What is the cross to you? Is it life or foolishness?

 

 

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