Foolish Wisdom
“Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.”
Today’s Text: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 (Living Life Daily Devotional)
The gospel of Jesus Christ makes absolutely no sense according to the ways of the world. And that is exactly how God wanted it. Because to trust in the gospel of Jesus Christ, we have to acknowledge that the “wisdom” of the world is utter foolishness. But the “wisdom” of the world considers the gospel of Jesus Christ to be utter foolishness. Which is correct?
Obviously the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is the wisdom of God.
Or maybe it’s not so obvious. We hold on stubbornly to the wisdom of the world because that is all we know—and we desire the affirmation of human beings. But if we really desire the affirmation of human beings, we will reject the wisdom of God; we will consider the gospel of Jesus Christ to be foolishness and be ashamed of it.
Why is the “wisdom” of the world foolishness? Because it will always cause division among the people of God. It already does so in the world, and yet that is to be expected.
Only one thing unites the people of God: Jesus Christ, and Him crucified, resurrected, and returning. That is the wisdom of God.
The wisdom of God—that is, the gospel of Jesus Christ—always unites. The “wisdom” of the world will always divide, because those who think they are wise will always think they are wiser than other people, and they will think that they are wiser than the foolishness of the gospel.
Brothers and sisters, please mark these words. We are a church that preaches Jesus Christ and Him crucified, resurrected, and returning. If there is ever any division in our community, it is because of the foolishness of human “wisdom.” Let us keep our eyes focused on Christ and accept His wisdom.
Father, You are the Author of all life. The whole world operates on Your economy, because You created everything. Forgive us for thinking that we know better. Help us to see the wisdom of Your gospel, and unite us in Christ. In Jesus’s name. Amen.
