How Foolish Can We Be?
"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 Corinthians 1:18
Let's say we randomly asked 100 people to look at the above picture. We told them the person had no desert survival skills training. They carry no water and plan to be alone in the desert for one month as an "adventure."
Most reasonable prudent people would say that person's actions are foolish. The person is not showing good sense or judgment. They would be right. It's hard to imagine this ending well for our foolish friend.
But when it comes to the cross and Jesus Christ, one person's foolishness is another's salvation. Thus, the Bible is either valid and reliable today or not. Does it have the authority of God, or does it fail to meet the highest standard of trustworthiness? I say it is valid, reliable, and is God's standard.
We expect nonbelievers to deny the validity and reliability of the scriptures. We also expect them to scoff at God while raising their fists in defiance. Not surprisingly, God's word says,
"The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good." Psalm 14:1
As with the person who lacks sense and wanders unprepared into the desert, so is the nonbeliever who wanders through life lost without God. Tragically both lives will end in a scorching place.
But what about those within the church who are adding to and subtracting from God's Word? What can we make of our former brothers and sisters who selectively exclude scriptures because they are "culturally offensive?"
Are we to believe that this group is enlightened to the truth while those of us who blindly hold to the infallibility of God's Word is a threat to world progress? I don't think so. In fact,
"Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words, or He will rebuke you and prove you a liar." Proverbs 30:5-6
Jesus, Himself tells us,
"I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life in the Holy City." Revelation 22:18-19
No, we now see something new, a new deception that has taken many lukewarm Christians into the wasteland of the body, mind, and spirit. A new scam that says what is good is evil and what is evil is good. The prophet Isaiah warned,
"Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter." Isaiah 5:20
When in human history have believers ever found themselves in simpatico with the world? Never! When did Jesus ever say, "go and sin some more." Never! So how can many in the church today go blind and deaf to blatant sin? How foolish can we be?
Could this foolishness within the church be signaling the end? Could we be witnessing the falling away--the rebellion--mentioned by the Apostle Paul? He said,
"Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction." 2 Thessalonians 2:3
We certainly see rebellion outside and inside the church. Brothers are turning against brothers. It's hard to identify oneself as "Christian" without defining what we mean by the term. Perhaps God doesn't want us to complicate His design.
Maybe He wants us to have "child-like faith" in Jesus and to follow His Words as closely as possible. He knows we aren't perfect; however, He also expects us to read and heed His instructions.
If we do, the world will still call us foolish, just as it has for over 2000 years. And, we will likely be persecuted, even by some "Christian" brothers and sisters.
That's fine with me because I know God makes promises for eternity. He doesn't abandon His sheep. His Words in the 66 Books of the Bible are 100 percent valid and reliable in every situation. Does the world have any manuscript or collection of works that can claim such technical qualities? Not that I'm aware.
I'm comfortable and at peace as a simple passerby in this world. I know the Lord, and He knows me. How about you? Are you ready to have the world see you as a fool in exchange for God's salvation, peace, and joy? Let me know what you think.
