God's Fools

When I was in grade school one of the insults that was often bantered about was to call someone a fool. I don't really know why that was considered an insult. It was probably used as a synonym for “stupid.” I mention this because Paul brings the issue up in our reading from his letter to the Corinthians today. He is comparing foolishness and wisdom and reverses the meaning of the words.  Or at least what is “foolish” and what is “wisdom.” 

Again, we do not fully know what issues Paul is dealing with in Corinth. We can make a good guess at what they were fighting over. They seem to be fighting over who was the most knowledgeable about Jesus. We heard that in Paul’s introduction. They were comparing who had taught them about Jesus – Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas – and claiming that is why each knew best. Paul is calling them out on their assumption here; that what they knew about Jesus was the most important part of their faith. He tells them in our reading where he reminds them that they should not try to talk about who has the proper training, understanding, and wisdom. If they remembered how they were when Paul first brought them the gospel they were not well educated people to begin with. For them to try and make themselves more important than they were is foolishness since they were using worldly standards and not God’s. Because what the world wants is riches and power so that they can rule over others. What Jesus wants is for people to live together in fellowship and harmony. Instead of using wisdom as a measure of success God uses love. 

We are not that much different than the Corinthians. While we may not struggle to be the leader of the church – although we all know some who do – we often struggle to show the world that we fit in. And it knows it. Just turn on the television and watch a few ads if you dare. They will tell you that you have to have specific things to fit in and be somebody from financial advisors to cars to clothing to body size. This pressure does not just come from the television. It also comes from family and friends. And we succumb to the pressure. We confessed that as we began our service today.

I am not saying that we do not need things. Clothes are good in the middle of winter. So are houses and snow shovels. The message is that what we own, where we come from, who our parents are is not who we are. Our identity comes from God. So put away the foolishness of the world for the wisdom of God. Put away your desire of worldly possession, position, and power and put on Christ crucified – foolishness to the world but wisdom to you. With Christ as your wisdom you are free to live as God intended. Live sharing God’s love with all the world. A love most needed in a time when violence and greed seems rampant.