The Folly of the Cross

To the world it may seem absurd, but the so-called folly of the cross is God’s power and wisdom for those who believe.

“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. For … ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise … those who have understanding, I will confound.’”—1 Corinthians 1:18–19 NASB

Paul recognizes that people, even Christians, are different from one another. Differences are inevitable in many issues, but he warned against the temptation to compromise.

Many people thought Christian doctrines, including the cross, were foolishness. Some resorted to clever schemes; others ignored the core issues or tried to change the essence of the Gospel to make it more tolerable.

But Paul knew that the essence of the Gospel was the cross. He said that we need to focus on the cross … no matter how foolish it might sound, and no matter how others might react.

On the cross, Jesus died for us, sacrificing His life so that our sins might be forgiven. The cross also means being willing to surrender our personal will to the will of God—sacrificing everything to please and obey Him. And the cross means being willing to embrace what seems foolish, naive, and absurd to the world.

It is only through the cross that we can be saved. And the cross is the only gateway to a relationship with God and eternal life with Him.

Make sure that you never compromise the message of the cross. Don’t let the world fool you with its “wisdom,” for this wisdom is nothing but foolishness to God. Seek true wisdom—the wisdom that comes from surrendering to the Lordship of Jesus.

Take up your cross and follow Him. Let Him give you real power and life through His cross.

Reflection Question: Where are you tempted to soften or avoid the message of the cross?