1 Corinthians 1:18-21 explains how the message of the cross looks different in the perspective of a person who does not believe and a person who does believe. Paul says that the word of the cross is folly to a perishing person while it is the power of God to a person who is saved. God has made even the wisest people in worldly terms fools in terms of godly wisdom. For someone who is worldly wise, it may be easy to see the Gospel as foolish because what could possibly be so amazing about some random guy who just died on a cross? However, Paul explains that God is pleased by showing this “foolishness” to those who truly believe, giving them power in God.
1 Corinthians 1:22-25 shows us that Jesus is what everyone needs. The Jews ask for signs and the Gentiles ask for wisdom. Although not necessarily bad things, these two groups fail to realize what true faith is about. When we set our minds on good things, it is good; however, when we care about these good things more than Jesus, we turn those things into idols. That’s when Christ becomes a stumbling block and folly to these people. But when we are called by God, we realize that Jesus is actually the sign and He is the wisdom that we are searching for. Jesus fulfills all our needs and desires, so why not want Him in the first place?
This idea is expounded upon in 1 Corinthians 26-31, which explains that Christ is our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. It is by Christ alone that we are transformed and we show how God’s “foolishness,” “weakness,” and “lowliness,” put worldly standards to shame. This passage reminds us that it is by God alone that we show fruit of the Spirit, and so we can boast in what God has given us through Jesus.
How does this apply to us today? I was literally talking to Shane Williams (a conductor) today about how we should encourage others and breathe life into each other using language that builds other people up. He encouraged me by telling me that people WILL put me down for being ingenuine or if I am too soft, but the fact is, God’s wisdom and encouragement will always win against those who harm others with their words. God is stronger and wiser than any person can ever be. On a different note, I think it is really easy for people in general to be hooked onto Christianity because it offers interesting and commendable moral views. I agree with this and I sometimes even think this way; nevertheless, we need to remember that Jesus is the only one who can actually give us any wisdom or righteousness, and I need to put Jesus in front of morality or anything else I idolize at times.