There are two kinds of fools in the Bible. The first is found in Proverbs, and is characterized by a lack of discernment, a distaste for discipline, and a pervasive unteachableness. From God’s perspective that person has no hope and is headed for trouble, difficulties, and eventual judgment. Proverbs admonishes us in the strongest language to do everything we can to avoid being labeled a fool.

But there’s another kind of fool that God esteems. I’m speaking of the person that the world labels a “fool” because of their commitment to the Gospel.

Yesterday morning, our former senior pastor, C.J. Mahaney spoke from 1 Corinthians 3:18-41 Corinthians 3:18-4:21 [18]Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. [19]For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, "He catches the wise in their craftiness," [20]and again, "The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile." [21]So let no one boast in men. For all things are yours, [22]whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future--all are yours, [23]and you are Christ's, and Christ is God's. [4:1]This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. [2]Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. [3]But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. [4]For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. [5]Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God. [6]I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. [7]For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it? [8]Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! Without us you have become kings! And would that you did reign, so that we might share the rule with you! [9]For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. [10]We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. [11]To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless, [12]and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; [13]when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things. [14]I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. [15]For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. [16]I urge you, then, be imitators of me. [17]That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church. [18]Some are arrogant, as though I were not coming to you. [19]But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk of these arrogant people but their power. [20]For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power. [21]What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness? (ESV)

Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise ( 1 Cor. 3:181 Corinthians 3:18 [18]Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. (ESV)

This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.

).

In other words, we have only two options in this life: to be wise by the wisdom of this age, or to become a fool in the eyes of this world by boasting in the cross of Christ. That doesn’t mean there aren’t many areas where the world might respect a godly Christian. Our culture still thinks of self-control, generosity, and kindness as desirable qualities.

However, when it comes to building our lives on and around the Gospel, the world doesn’t get it. C.J. encouraged us to consider how much of what we do on a Sunday morning looks foolish to the world. We sing songs to a God we can’t see, enthusiastically proclaiming his rule over our lives, singing about his wrath, holiness, and judgment, thanking him for his mercy and kindness toward undeserving rebels. We put our hard-earned money in the offering with a smile on our faces. We eagerly listen to someone explain words that were written thousands of years ago and receive it as authoritative for our lives in the 21st century. And on top of everything, we really think we know more about what’s important than any scholar, scientist, or philosopher who doesn’t acknowledge Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Yes, there’s no question about it. in the eyes of the world, all that looks pretty foolish. But as I sat there yesterday morning listening to the message, I realized I want to be a greater fool in the eyes of the world. I never want to be what C.J. referred to as a “professional Christian, whose values remain untouched.” I don’t want to be part of a church that unbelievers feel totally comfortable with or find completely reasonable. Our life together must display a power, grace, truth, and love that the world finds incomprehensible.

I want people to see that my decisions, my choices, my values, and my actions are governed by the Good News that my sins are forgiven and I now belong to Christ. I want to be unconcerned about the applause of the world, and live for the audience of One. And when unbelievers say I’m a fool for basing my entire life on the perfect life, atoning death, and victorious resurrection of Jesus Christ, I want to thank them with all my heart.

May each one of us be more of a fool in the eyes of men, so that we might be wise in the eyes of God, and so that Jesus Christ alone might receive glory through our lives.

3 Comments »

1. I love the old Petra song called “Fool’s Gold” which has a line in it that says, “Some may call me foolish, some may call me odd, but I’d rather be a fool in the eyes of men than a food in the eyes of God!”

   Comment by Mark Smith — October 23, 2006 @ 5:07 pm

2. Thanks. This is well said and needed.

   Comment by Steve — October 24, 2006 @ 12:34 am

3. Brother - thank you for your encouraging words, to be a fool for Christ - not a fool for the world.

   I have recently been struggling at work (where I am only in my first ‘qualified’ year as a physiotherapist), finding that keeping up with the workload in ‘out-patients department’ where I am working at the moment, so very difficult.

   Hearing a message recently from a good friend hear at Grace Church (Bristol) has reminded me that I am working for God, and that I should be seeking to work well for my managers in order to WORSHIP GOD - not seeking to earn their praise and by doing so worship my self-esteem (or them).

   Your reminder has been useful, that whilst non-believers may pin their hopes on looking good in front of their managers, getting promoted and making plenty of cash… us followers of Christ are meant to be ‘fools’ in their eyes… living for Christ alone!

   May I grow in the knowledge of this truth.
   Amen <>

   Comment by Jadie Stiven — October 25, 2006 @ 4:46 pm

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