Saturday, December 7, 2013
1 Corinthians 3:18-19a Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.
THE ADVANTAGE OF ADVENT (6)
Would you call yourself wise or foolish?
Who among us would be so proud to say, "I am wise?"
Who among us would be so humble to say, "I am foolish?"
Christ teaches, "Everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand."
Who among us can say we aren't foolish then for that matter ...
for loving things of this world more than God,
for using God's name in a careless or unloving way,
for not making use of God's Word and gathering at God's house,
for not respecting parents or for mistreating our children,
for not loving our enemies,
for having lustful or shameful thoughts,
for inappropriately getting money,
for running someone's name through the mud with our gossip,
for not being content with what we have?
I am humbled by my guilt. With a repentant heart I confess that I AM foolish. But notice what is written above, "Christ teaches ..." which means even though I am foolish, I can also be wise. Christ teaches that "He has come to seek and to save the lost" (Luke 19:10). He came to save sinners. He came to save those who have disobeyed the Almighty Creator God! So He came to save the foolish ... just like me.
Christ prepares us for His coming in teaching that "Whoever hears these sayings of Mine is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." Christ teaches me that I AM wise for following Him; for trusting in His mercy and forgiveness and pardon for all my foolish sins! What a joy to know the wisdom of God! So go to church tomorrow, as a "wise fool," in order to read, hear, and sing praises to the One who gives us wisdom for eternal life -- our Savior, Jesus Christ!
