For what seems to be God’s foolishness is wiser than men’s wisdom, and what seems to be God’s weakness is stronger than men’s strength.
I Corinthians 1:25 (TEV)
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1
By this world’s standards, some of the things God wants us to believe seem foolish. Not only do some people think the premise of Christianity is suspect, but they may also consider your calling to a ministry questionable. This devotion looks at the world’s standards in regard to our ministries.
How can anyone possibly believe that a man – a human man – could be dead three whole days and then rise from the grave? Once people are dead, they stay dead.
Who could believe such nonsense? “For the message about Christ’s death on the cross is nonsense to those who are being lost; but for us who are being saved, it is God’s power” (I Cor. 1: 18 TEV).
So, it isn’t “nonsense” – it is belief. It’s a belief that there is a Higher Being who controls all things and with whom nothing is impossible.
Jesus’ death and resurrection are not the only things people can think is nonsense. They can disbelieve things of a more personal nature.
You may believe that God is calling you to a certain ministry. [Insert how God is calling you.] You are sure this is how God wants you to serve Him. You are ready and willing to serve Him, flaws and all.
People may have other ideas about your ministry, though. They can tell you what nonsense the idea is, how much it is going to cost you, and how this idea is all wrong for you. They can say someone else you know thought this was their ministry, too, but they were wrong also. People can give you a number of “good” reasons why this is not your ministry.
But we shouldn’t be worried about being judged by this world’s standards. “God purposely chose what the world considers nonsense in order to put wise men to shame, and what the world considers weak in order to put powerful men to shame” (I Cor. 1: 28 TEV). If the world approved of our ministry, would we really be serving God? If everyone approves, we are really no different than them. We wouldn’t be able to show them God’s wisdom in His Will for our lives.
It is hard for us to turn a deaf ear to our family and friends when they outline valid-sounding points why they think our ministry will fail. These are the people who mean the most to us. Yet we must follow God. Sometimes He allows this opposition to test our commitment to Him.
So, don’t get discouraged when this world and its standards criticize you for your choice of ministry. We were created for particular purposes.
Remember God knows what is best for our lives. He has a plan of what He wants for us. He knows what has happened to us, what is happening to us and what will happen to us. He knows what He wants us to do. Remember “God is to be trusted, the God who called you to have fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ, our Lord” (I Cor. 1: 9 TEV).
Dear Heavenly Father. We rejoice in the fact that You have power and wisdom that far exceeds that which is known to man. We cannot begin to fathom how immense Your wisdom is. People who are dubbed as “intellectual” possess scant knowledge when compared to You. Lord, we are humbled by the fact that You in Your greatness have provided a way for us to be united with You. Father, we dedicate our lives to serving You in the ways You wish. In doing this, we will come into conflict with the world in which we live. Give us the strength to strive to do Your will. Amen.
I want to hear from you. Think back to someone you know (even a younger you!) whose choice of ministry was not popular with the family and friends. What would/did you tell that person? What would/did you tell the family and friends? Leave me a comment below (about this or anything else) or head over to my Facebook group for some interactive discussion.
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