Foolish for Christ

Being foolish for Christ means standing firm in your faith—even when the world mocks what it can’t understand.

“The prophet is a fool, the inspired man is insane, because of the grossness of your wrongdoing, and because your hostility is so great.”—Hosea 9:7 NASB

Paul came to this bold conclusion: “We are fools on account of Christ” (1 Corinthians 4:10). People all around him thought he and the followers of Jesus had lost touch with reality, believing things that defied logic and made no sense.

In a similar way during the time of the prophet Hosea, people were taunting, “The prophets are crazy and the inspired men are fools!” (v. 7 NLT).

Yet, as Paul taught, God uses things the world considers foolish “to save those who believe.” He “has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise” (1 Corinthians 1:21, 27).

Things considered foolish by the world are the very cornerstones of the Christian faith: “Has God not made foolish the wisdom of the world?” And “the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18, 20).

People easily become caught up in what is popular, normal, or politically correct. But if we want to be wise in the things of God, we must trust in Him and believe His Word, even if this is considered foolish by others. We will find that His foolishness is the key to eternal riches and wisdom the world cannot understand.

Today, don’t be surprised if the world mocks you and doesn’t understand your faith. Make an uncompromising commitment to follow Jesus, no matter what others might say.

Reflection Question: Where might God be asking you to follow Him, even if it seems foolish?