Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-

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


Popular posts from this blog

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
  Constant, patient and welcoming love of God   St. Luke 15: 11-32  V.21: And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ The parable of the ‘Prodigal son’ is one of the most frequently quoted parables that Jesus told His disciples. The parable contains the rich mine of human virtues and emotions. This parable is lived and re-lived in progressing civilizations from time immemorial and continuing. It brings out in vivid detail the pathetic depth of human sinfulness and the glorious heights of God’s forgiveness.      As a story of human nature, fathers are generally merciful to their children in any circumstance. They are very protective and are eager to provide for and secure the lives of their offspring. Jesus is telling this parable to underscore the superlative love of God to His children. The nature of such love is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 7:11. Humankind wh...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Revelation for Liberation Acts 27:18-26 Sherine Thomas Long Island MTC, NY 20  When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. “After winter comes the summer.  After night comes the dawn.  And after every storm, there comes clear open skies” so said a Scottish clergyman from the 1600s. It’s been said, that hope can sometimes be the most dangerous weapon.  However, it’s sometimes the hardest weapon to carry when you’re living with the loss of a loved one, something that almost feels like a terrible nightmare that’ll never go away.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry when day in and day out no one seems to hear or see those tears that are shed or silent cries that are made during a heartfelt prayer. It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you see your loved one lying on that hospital bed.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you search and seek out answers to tel...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
PRIESTHOOD: THE ANOINTED MINISTRY Exodus 40:12-16 Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting... wash them with water. Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest (Exodus 40: 12-13). Priesthood among the people of God was a divine command and initiation. God wanted some people to be separated for the special ministry among his people. God appointed Aaron and his descendants to take up this kind of ministry among the people of God. Priests are always separated and appointed as channels that connect God with his people. All throughout the history of Israel, priests played an important role in connecting people with God and to lead and guide them in the statutes of God. But there are incidents in the Bible where the priests failed in their duties and that led the people to go away from God. So the priests have a special and significant ministry to perform in this world among his people. Two important things...
Read more