Fool For Christ - Gathering Service 7/28

As I ran (sprinted) through the airport between my short connections with my 40lbs pack on my back, I could not help but think of how silly I must have looked.  When I hunched over, gasping for breath, the gate agent gave a little chuckle and told me that I made it in plenty of time and promptly boarded me onto the plane.  As I sat in my seat last night I could not help but think of how foolish that was just to make a plane, especially when they held the plane for an extra 15min for another group that was just arriving.

The things that we do because they seem important often make us look foolish.  I can tell you a few embarrassing stories where I put my safety, comfort, and life on the line for menial things like time, appearance, or saving face.   Simply think of how many drivers will put themselves in danger to shave a few minutes off their drive.  Foolishness!!!

So when I first was introduced to the statement, “being a fool for Christ,” I could not get past my definition of foolishness: Doing silly/stupid things for no legitimate reason.  But this is where Paul is making his point, within the context of the Greco-Roman world of self-interest, power, and greed, the Christian life of community and love seem foolish, but are not.

Our Christian foolishness has nothing to do with silly actions for a silly purpose; rather they are methodical actions to further a better understanding of Christ. In fact, the Christian Fool is no Fool at all.

I guess in a real way that is why I felt so foolish in my run from gate to gate in the airport yesterday.  I mean, if I was not going to make it, they would have rebooked me.  Instead I got to be the spectacle hunched over gasping for air.

As we think towards this Sunday take a look at 1 Corinthians 4:1-13.  While the fool line is the part most folks gravitate towards, what Paul is really getting at is how to be an apostle to Christ.  So in preparation for Sunday I want to ask you to consider three questions:

1.     How am I a fool for Christ.

2.     Can I let go of my fears of what others think of me to be faithful to Christ

3.     Why do I allow myself to be so foolish in placing such high priorities on the things of this world and not live out a life of foolishness to Christ.