For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are dying, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
–1 Corinthians 1:18
The stage most parents think their little girls will grow out of, I never did.
Any chance I get to be on horses, around horses, or talking about horses, I’m there. The lingo of the horse world makes sense to me. I understand the things other “horse people” discuss.
However, when I try to talk to non-horsey friends, a blank look comes across their faces. What I am saying is foolishness to them; they can’t understand it unless I demonstrate it.
Paul says this is like the message of the cross. In today’s verse, he says “the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are dying.” It is foolishness because, even with all of their knowledge, unsaved people cannot understand the message of the cross.
In the previous verse (1 Corinthians 1:17), Paul says that he was sent to preach the gospel, but not with eloquent speech. The more complicated we make our message, the more foolish it becomes to those who haven’t yet discovered the truth and power of the cross.
We need to be filled with the Spirit, so we may speak and act in ways that connect with others. This means we drop the church lingo and start living out our message, speaking in terms to which everyone can relate.
Prayer
Dear Lord, Please help me share Your message in the way I live and in words everyone can understand. Help me to be a living example of Your power. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Reflection
Do I live and speak in ways that allow others to understand the message of the cross?
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