No one wants to look foolish, at least I think no one wants to appear foolish. I looked up foolish in the dictionary and there were three definitions. One, having or showing a lack of good sense, judgment, or discretion. Two, being absurd or ridiculous, Three, being insignificant or trifling.
I would not think anyone yearns to fit into one of those three definitions. Yet there are times when we do appear foolish. As Christians, often the world slots us into one of those definitions. Paul said it this way, “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.” [1 Cor 1:18]
People who do not know our Lord and Savior listen to the message of the cross … how God sent His Son to earth, born of a virgin. This Son of God lived his life as an itinerant preacher, was rejected by His own people, and condemned to die on a Roman cross. In His death He took the punishment for our sins. He was raised to newness of life on the third day, and ascended into heaven, opening the path through Him for all to come to God.
To those standing outside looking in we seem to lack good sense and judgment. We have a message that is pure foolishness to the world’s way of thinking.
But to those standing inside and looking at the cross, we see the power of God. We see power to become children of God. We see power to become holy, conformed to the image of His Dear Son. We see the power of God’s Spirit at work in our lives. We see in the cross and resurrection, our all in all.
To the world we may appear foolish, but to our God, we are known as His children.
