[26] For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. [27] But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; [28] God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, [29] so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. [30] And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, [31] so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:26-31 ESV)
As I was reading and studying this past week I came across this section of verses and God revealed a truth to me about His scripture that is speaking of revealing truth. (Ironic, I know.)
Often times, I have found that it can be hard to deal with people who are always in God’s word.
Now before you start to judge that last statement, hear me out.
I have found that when discussing God’s word, people can be puffed up or arrogant with their knowledge of God’s word. For example, you may have had a revelation from God’s word and when you go to share, they brush it off and tell you that they have learned that principle long ago or try to share with you spiritual time in their life that is just a little bit better. Which in some cases, quickly spirals into a competition of who has had the most powerful spiritual encounter with God. But most often just leaves you hurt and feeling like you were not listened to.
This scenario in my head creates the illusion of the listener as a spiritual freight train barreling down the tracks in the name of Jesus. All the while, ignorant of who was smashed and left on the side.
However, before we go too far, I am not saying that we should not be in God’s word. God’s word is paramount in every Christian’s life. We should teach it to our children. It should be written on our hearts. We should talk about is as we sit in our homes, as we go on our ways. It should be a sign to us of who God is and what He has done for us. (Deut 6:4-9)
So what am I getting at? you wonder…
As Christians, we must recognize the source as Paul dictates in the above scripture to the Corinthians. You see, that as Christians, we must recognize that God is using us, the ignorant, the weak, the foolish, to shame those who are wise according to worldly standards. That He (and only He) has provided for us salvation through Christ. And that He is the source of revalation to us.
God is using us to display His awesome power to those around us.
And when we start in on the spiritual conversations, we must not come in it to display our own piety or religious devotion but to boast in Him who has provided for us, revealed His word to us, given us the opportunity to share His revelation and glorify His Name. So as it is written “Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.”