Who You Calling a Fool?
What we don’t want to believe about our lack of wisdom.
Fool (noun): unintelligent or ridiculous person. Reading this definition will bring forth all sorts of associations to mind, whether it is dealing with someone we know who we think acted foolishly or thinking back to an instance where we, ourselves, felt like a fool. But what brought about that feeling? What happened that made us feel or believe that? Being a fool or acting foolish often stems from our own selfish desires to do what we know is best for us or will help us. Think back to that time when you tried to impress someone you just met and ended up saying something that made you feel, well, just foolish. There are so many times when I thought I was making myself look better and really all I was doing was making myself out to be a fool.
Isn’t it interesting that submitting our thoughts or actions to the Lord, is what leads to true wisdom. We are not always the wise and knowledgeable people that we make ourselves out to be. Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” So many times that is me. I have these thoughts or ideas of what I need to do or who I need to be that are just “better” than what the Lord has. Now that is foolish. Bowing to God and fearing Him out of reverence and respect will save us from the humility that our own thoughts and actions will always manifest. It always stems back to this idea of control.
In a world where we can literally control just about anything we want with the tip of our fingers, surrender and submission is a hard concept to grasp and apply. This verse is a reminder that when we submit to the Lord and trust His ways and Truth and Knowledge then we cannot be made out to be a fool. There will be times when in the eyes of the world we may be foolish. However, the Truth is that when we are seeking and submitting to the Greatest Authority no foolishness can abound.
Thx Jess…for your words of truth and challenge this AM…I needed to be reminded of what a prideful fool I am when not submitting to God. Thanks. Also, its great to have you and Corey at CCC. – Doug
Thank you for your gentle reminder that we are foolish unless we are following in His wisdom. It is all about control…we want it, but are foolish with it. Happy New Year!