Why We Proclaim Such Foolishness

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God... Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption."

-- 1 Corinthians 1:18, 26-30

No matter what we do, the world will continue to see our faith as foolishness.

There are a number of contemporary Christian apologists working hard to engage the dominant culture on behalf of Christ. Some, like Ravi Zacharias, strive to earn respect for the Christian worldview in the marketplace of ideas. They want the world to see our faith as reasonable, rational, and logical. Others, like Brian McLaren, are working to demonstrate how our ancient faith can appeal to post-modern concerns. They want the world to see our faith as relevant, powerful, and authentic.

Both of these groups are motivated by a genuine zeal for Christ and a desire to extend His Kingdom, just as we are commanded to do. But it seems to me, we must acknowledge that no matter how well we reason and argue and demonstrate and appeal, the vast majority of the world will continue to see our message as foolishness, choosing to perish rather than to accept it.

So what, then? Do we cease to put forth our message because most will reject it? Certainly not! As this passage goes on to state, through this message of the cross, God calls the lowly and the weak and the base in the eyes of the eyes of the world to be saved. It is for the sake of these that we continue to proclaim God's message of reconciliation.

Thus, none of us who are saved can boast. God did not save us because of our worthiness, but rather, He saved us in spite of our unworthiness. We who would proclaim His message to others need to keep this in mind, because it applies to us as well. God does not save others because of our persuasive words. Often, He saves others in spite of them.