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.
For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”
Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
1 Corinthians 1:18–20
There is something incredibly beautiful about the way God works. In fact, Paul reminds us in I Corinthians 1 that God’s ways are so much higher than what is championed in this world, the world’s wisdom begins to look foolish compared to God.
God’s ways are different, higher, eternal, and better.
His power and truth are not proven in prestige or popularity or measured by likes on social media, it is based in humility, grace, sacrifice, and love—and it is proven true by the nature of His being.
To the world, the message of the cross makes no sense.
A Savior who died? A Kingdom built through serving others? A call to give rather than gain? Becoming first by being last?
It sounds backwards. Indeed, to those who are perishing, it sounds like foolishness.
But not so for those of us who have experienced the life-changing power of Jesus and the voice of His Spirit in our hearts.
Because once we’ve encountered the kingdom and the grace of God, we begin to recognize the emptiness of all this world chooses to pursue.
The world says, “Chase success, accumulate wealth, rise above others.”
But God says, “The greatest among you will be your servant.”
The world says, “Follow your heart—do whatever feels good. Look out for #1.”
But God says, “Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Me.”
The world says, “You’re not that bad. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”
But God says, “Not one of us is righteous. We all need forgiveness and a Savior.”
Indeed, God has made foolish the wisdom of this world.
And if you’ve followed Christ for any length of time, you’ve probably seen this play out in your own life.
You’ve experienced the joy of choosing contentment over consumerism.
You’ve seen the peace that comes from obedience.
You’ve discovered the freedom found in forgiveness.
You’ve felt the weight of sin lifted once you admitted you couldn’t carry the price yourself.
The world may never understand it. But you do—because you’ve seen the power of God at work in your life.
You don’t need to follow the crowd. You don’t need to keep up with the world. You don’t need to conform to its patterns or chase after its empty promises. You’ll never find wisdom there.
You belong to a better Kingdom. You follow a better Spirit. And your life—centered on Christ—is a living testimony that God’s ways are better every day and every hour.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you that your ways are greater than this world’s. Keep my eyes and ears and heart focused on your Word and will. And may my life reflect to others all that you offer. Amen.