January 22nd
Read: The references in parentheses.
How do men become fools? Paul in (Romans 1:21-22) tells us that they do not glorify Him as God. “They were not thankful, but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.” (Luke 24:25) wrote that Jesus told His disciples, “O foolish ones and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken.” In other words, they could not quite bring themselves to believe that Jesus was the complete fulfillment of prophecy. They were slow to believe the complete Word of God! How does that speak to the ones today who minimize the authority of the Holy Bible? They forget that “God chose the foolish things of this world to confound the wise,” (1 Cor. 1:27) the things which the world pooh-poohs because they are not logical to their unspiritual eyes. Paul said, “We are fools for Christ’s sake.” (1 Cor. 4:10) That is the sort of foolishness we should desire in our lives.
We must speak truth even when it seems ‘foolish’ or boastful to others. We must obey the truth lest we become fools. (Gal. 3:1) We must not return to operating in the flesh, but walk in the Holy Spirit. (Galatians 3:3) We must give thanks rather than jest or talk foolishly. (Eph. 5:3-4) We must walk circumspectly. (Eph. 5:15) We must not desire riches. (1 Tim. 6:9) If we walk as we talk, our well-doing will squelch the ignorance of foolish men. We are to use our liberty in Christ to become servants of God. (1 Pet. 2:15) We need to let others know that God does exist and that He has worked His righteousness into our lives through Jesus Christ and His work on the cross. At one time we were no better than fools, with hate rather than love in our hearts. (Tit. 3:3) We must glory in God even if others think us fools for doing it. (2 Cor. 12:11) We must allow our lips to disperse knowledge of the Holy One. (Prov. 15:7) We must not even think of foolishness, lest we sin. (Prov. 24:9)
RECIPE
Take a heart that’ sad and worn;
Take a life that’s soiled and torn;
Take a mind that’s geared to lie;
Take a body born to die.
Sow a seed of joy and grace;
Place a smile upon that face;
Take Truth’s mending thread and ply
The needle of the Word to “Why?”
After tempering with love,
Point the way to God above.
Allow some time to grow and test,
And you’ll have Life at God’s own best.
Colossians 3:10
Prayer: Dear God, help me to preach the cross, which seems to be foolishness to those who do not believe. Help me to speak and obey Your truth.