Is There No Room for Strength?

1 Corinthians 1:20-31

Perhaps Paul really was speaking to a very specific time and a very specific place when he wrote today’s passage from 1 Corinthians. Maybe we are not supposed to carry its meaning forward into our own era. But I have to wonder. “…God chose what is foolish in the world,” says Paul, “to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, so that no one might boast in the presence of God” (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).

So often the church has sought to act out of strength, to preserve its status, to promote its agenda. Politically, socially, economically organized religion has claimed a lofty status in our culture. And when we see that status slipping away we fret and worry and decry attacks by the Godless on our way of life. Where would Paul stand in such circumstances? Would Paul applaud our determination to exert power, or would Paul say that we are dangerously close to boasting in the presence of God?

The evidence is anecdotal, but it seems to me that the message of the gospel is far more meaningful for the powerless, those who suffer or who are oppressed, than it is for those who are successful in worldly terms. Should this not worry those like me who live in comfort and relative security? Are we not called to trust God more and our own power and authority less? It’s a very tough question and one that I wrestle with often.

Prayer: Lord, help your people to boast only in you and not in themselves, that your wisdom may prevail in our world and more importantly in our lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.