Fools

Written by cycleguy on March 24th, 2015

thefi5thgospel

Growing up calling or being called a “Fool” was not a compliment.ย  It, of course, represented someone who did something dumb or stupid. The meaning of the word hasn’t changed. It can also mean someone or something that is different. Someone who doesn’t fit the mold or status quo.

The word is used several times in the Bible:

“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.'” Ps.53:1

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” Pr.12:15 (Great comparison)

“Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.” Pr.28:26ย  (Another great comparison)

“You fool. Tonight your soul will be required of you.” Luke 12:20

Needless to say, even in Bible days, being called a fool was not a compliment. So, why in the world would Paul write, “We are fools for Christ’s sake”?

Bobby’s idea is “embracing the ridiculous.” (p.122) My translation? Following Jesus is not always the easiest thing, nor is it always the the “sanest and safest thing.” Followers of Jesus will often do things which go against the grain (in a good way). They will stretch their faith and their spiritual muscles to advance the cause of Christ.

Numerous examples abound in the Bible of this very thing:

Abraham was to be the father of many and then is asked to kill his son.

Joshua is to battle Jericho but not to raise a single arm in aggression. Just walk and shout.

Isaiah is told to walk around naked for 3 years to get his message across. (not sure that would go over well) ๐Ÿ™‚

Naaman, the leper, told to dip 7 times in the Jordan and be cleansed.

Gideon’s army being whittled down from thousands to 300 to fight the Midianites.

God still asks His people to do amazing things. If that is what it means to be a “fool,” then count me in. Only…be real careful in which context you call me one. ๐Ÿ™‚

How about you?

 

 

 

17 Comments so far ↓

  1. Daniel says:

    Sometimes Christians are called fools for wasting their life, their energy, and their money on a fairy tale. Sometimes that constant beating from non-believers takes its toll on me and leaves me feeling like a fool until I make myself take stock in what I have personally seen and experiences that encourages me to keep clinging to my God.

  2. Sharon says:

    Looked up “fool” in the dictionary. One of the meanings is this:

    “One with a marked propensity or fondness for something.”

    Well, in that case, YES!! I am indeed a fool for Jesus, because I love Him very much! And yes, following Him might make me look foolish as I walk the Narrow Way. But I would choose no other path.

    “Stop deceiving yourselves. If you think you are wise by this worldโ€™s standards, you need to become a fool to be truly wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God.” (1 Corinthians 3:18-19, NLT)

    Yes, and amen.

    GOD BLESS!

  3. I definitely think the world will think us foolish for doing many of the things God calls us to do.

  4. Jeff says:

    I am against calling people names or putting negative labels on groups or individuals. If someone is a fool it is probably pretty obvious. I am not sure pointing it out adds anything.

    • cycleguy says:

      this is a positive “fool” reference. It refers to someone sold out on what they believe. We might use the word committed. But I also don’t like calling people names.

      • Jeff says:

        I don’t think “Fool” is generally thought of in the positive. There has got to be a better word that is less confusing.

        • cycleguy says:

          I understand your concerns Jeff. I did a bit more studying and Paul is using sarcasm here to “hit at” the arrogance of the Corinthians. So his use of “fool” is actually a sarcastic word usage to make a point.

  5. Betty Draper says:

    Ace and I have been called foolish for giving up the American dream for what some called a fool hearty adventure of going over seas to tell others about Jesus. I don’t mind being called a fool in the context of becoming wise for God.

  6. Agreed, it is hard to know when you are being a fool for Christ, and when you just cross the line to being a fool. Sometimes I think I cross the line, but I’d rather do the second once in a while to make sure I do enough of the first. ๐Ÿ˜‰

    • cycleguy says:

      And that is what makes it so hard Kim. People do cross the line and then others pay the price. But I will agree on your final sentence.

  7. Count me in, too, Bill! If the world sees us as foolish because we are following Jesus, then so be it.
    Blessings!

  8. I’ve done some pretty foolish things in following Christ. They were hard for different reasons, but He stays faithful even when I can’t see or understand what’s going on. Thank you, Bill.

  9. Paul says:

    I remember years ago when I was led by Christ to forgive a very large debt that was owed to me. I wish I could say it was easy but it was agonizing. Not only did I feel like a fool, but some of the people working for me thought the same. When it was all over this thing that had controlled me was gone. It doesn’t hurt to be a fool for Christ sometimes.