Be a Fool
Learn to better manage your time
Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”; and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.” So then, no more boasting about human leaders! All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephasor the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God. (1 Corinthians 3:18-23)
In 1956, a small group of missionaries formed a plan to reach a tribe of people who called themselves the ‘Huaorani’ in the forests of Ecuador. This tribe was extremely hostile to outsiders, and the missionaries’ only contact from the tribe warned them not to trust the Huaroani: “To you the might seem friendly for a while, but they will not stop short of killing.” Nevertheless, the missionaries knew they had to try to reach these people.
Their plan involved air-dropping small gifts to the tribe, then setting up camp nearby and gradually gaining the tribespeoples’ trust. Everything seemed to be working according to plan … until one day all five missionaries were suddenly killed by the Huaorani. Due to their previous contact with outsiders, the Huaorani were intensely distrustful of the missionaries, and instinctively feared a trap.
Newspapers around the world reported the story, and some called the men foolish for trying to make contact with the tribe. A “waste of lives”, some called it. But their work not only laid the foundation upon which later missionaries would be able to successfully share the gospel with the Huaorani, it also inspired hundreds of young people to volunteer to become missionaries themselves. (Adapted from Jesus Freaks Volume II, by DC Talk)
Paul writes that “the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight” (1 Corinthians 3:19) The world will not understand the selfless devotion felt toward the God who has saved us, and may even call us foolish or persecute us for living first and foremost for God. Jesus explains that “They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.” (John 15:21) When the world thinks it is wise, it is really foolish for ignoring God who is the source of all wisdom.
Today, let’s renew our commitment to knowing and living the gospel so that we can more winsomely witness to others, “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)
Question: In what way(s) could you ask God to make you a more winsome witness?
About this Author: http://thelife.com/experience/devotionalformen/authors/darren-hewer/
Clem, that is a great thing to ask God for. He has obviously given you a heart to learn to communicate better since listening is the key to being a better communicator. You must also have a heart to pray for others. Would you consider joining our mentor team and praying for other visitors that come to our site? To learn more about what is involved just check out http://truthmedia.com/training/mentoring/
Asking God to help me to be a better neighbor and to be a better listener to those around me. How can I pray for you ??????
Yes, I agree Daniel, and thank you for reading and taking the time to comment!
I would never suggest that anyone take unnecessary risks, or put themselves into dangerous positions without good reason. We must use proper discernment.
For example, in Matthew 10:23 Jesus says “When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another.” That does not mean we should *always* flee but must make wise decisions about when and how we minister God’s Word.
That said, did the missionaries *have* to die? Later in the same passage (Matthew 10:28) Jesus says “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” We also see examples (like Stephen in Acts) of those who are killed for their faith. Not everyone who preaches the Word will escape alive, just like not everyone who believes in God will be spared hurt and heartache in their own lives.
I think appearing to be a “fool” to the world is not the same as being stupid. For example, I spent another two years in school studying theology. To those who do not know God, this may appear to be a waste of time, but to me and many fellow Christians it seems to have been time well spent.
Jesus had to died, because of our sins. The missionaries did not have to die. Aren’t you forgetting when Abraham wanted to sacrifice Isaac and GOD provided a goat for the sacrafice? Yes, GOD will provide.
Whilst we must be prepared to give up our live and witness for Jesus and the good news, GOD will prepare a way for making things possible.
The passages today sounded all too extremists. GOD gives people common sense and wisdom. I feel that the passage is sending out the message to Christians telling them put themselves in unnecessary risks. There is a fine line between passion for Jesus and stupidity.