Once again, it is April 1—April Fools’ Day. It is a day for pranks and such I guess…but I am interested in what Scripture says about being a fool. Particularly, in 2 Corinthians 10 – 12, Paul considers what it means to be a fool in the eyes of the world verses being a fool in the eyes of God (with a fool being someone who acts in a way that is deemed unwise).
The world would say a fool uses Christ as the standard for right & wrong. The Lord says a fool uses their neighbor as the standard for right & wrong. “When they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding” (2 Cor. 10:12).
The world would say a fool puts others before themselves. The Lord says a fool refuses to acknowledge the supremacy of Christ and seek His approval. “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord. For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends” (2 Cor. 10:17-18).
The world would say a fool admits to being weak. The Lord says a fool refuses to rely upon the strength of Jesus Christ. “If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.” (2 Cor. 11:30).
One who is seen as foolish by the world (but wise by God) knows that God reveals the standard for morality…that dying to self and living for Christ is the most fulfilling life…and that true strength is found in total reliance upon Jesus.
