No one wants to be called a fool. By definition, it means there was a lack of forethought or sense or caution. We use the word to describe something unwise. Other words for foolish are absurd, crazy, insane, irrational, ludicrous, mad, silly, stupid, or weak.
Yet, here is a word used throughout the Bible that beckons our understanding.
For example, in the Beatitudes, Jesus corrected people for calling someone a fool, but Jesus used the word “raca” in this explanation. This word scorns a person by calling him/her stupid. Jesus didn’t like this. But when Jesus described the person who didn’t build their house on the rock, calling him foolish, we find a different meaning. In this context, it’s the word “moros” which speaks of heart and character.
Why am I telling you all this?
The world and all its influences (news programs, social media content, beauty shop talk, etc) isn’t the wisdom of God. “For the foolish things of God have proven to be wiser than human wisdom. And the feeble things of God have proven to be far more powerful than any human ability” (1 Corinthians 1:25, TPT).
I was thinking about these things because, as a Christian, I was raised in a faith camp where people are taught victory in Christ, seemingly avoiding verses that talk about weaknesses. I don’t want to label any group one way or the other. This was just my experience. And I’m grateful for the overcoming, devil-defeating, and power-filled faith I have received through God’s Word!
But I’m equally grateful for the humble, transparent, and vulnerable weaknesses in my life that position me at the feet of Jesus.
To share about weakness sounds foolish.
I wouldn’t have a testimony at all if I avoided sharing about my shortcomings, failures, and weaknesses. It’s only through this honest estimation of my life that I’m able to point to the Cross of Jesus Christ– and my victory in Him! And this is the message Paul opened with in his first letter to the Corinthians.
He said, “To preach the message of the cross seems like sheer nonsense to those who are on their way to destruction, but to us who are being saved, it is the mighty power of God released within us” (1 Corinthians 1:18). I have to believe God’s Word. Anyone who calls salvation “nonsense” is on their way to destruction. I know because I’ve been on that side of the fence. Not in an arrogant way, but I wrestled with how God could save me (someone with a terrible past). It was foolishness to me that a simple, heartfelt, prayer of repentance was enough. Wisdom (my definition of wisdom) said, “You have to earn it.”
But God’s wisdom doesn’t work that way.
He said, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways…” (Isaiah 55:8). And because Paul knew this, he wasn’t shy to share his testimony. He said he begged God to deliver him from a tormenting spirit that badgered him daily. God’s response? “My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9, TPT).
When I was young in my faith, I wanted to hide every weakness. I definitely didn’t want anyone to know about the things I had done before salvation (or my daily stumbles even after giving my heart to Christ). I thought perfection is what God wanted from me. But I was wrong.
The more I told my story (the truth of what I wrestled with and overcame through Jesus Christ) the more others were helped. And the more they were helped, the more I wanted to tell them how much I needed Jesus every day of my life!
A family member once told me, “People would never know about your struggles if you didn’t tell them.” Exactly. They’d never know WHO helped me. They’d never know HOW to find the same freedoms I found.
If I hid my weaknesses, I couldn’t share the victories.
“So I’m not defeated by my weakness, but delighted! For when I feel my weakness and endure mistreatment– when I’m surrounded with troubles on every side and face persecution because of my love for Christ– I am made yet stronger. For my weakness becomes a portal to God’s power” (2 Corinthians 12:10, TPT).
The world calls it foolish. I call it miraculous.
I don’t love my shortcomings. I actually get frustrated by them. But as I grow and become more Christlike through them, they are a reminder I need Jesus every single day of my life. And for that reason, I don’t despise them.
The foolish things of Christ have brought me the greatest moments of victory.
