Letting It Make Sense!

Have you ever wondered why something seemed so clear to you, but others didn’t appear to get it? Perhaps they did not want to get it. Or it could be their focus was so tainted by preconceived ideas they really couldn’t understand. Someone has said, “Talking sense today isn’t quite good enough; it must sound like nonsense so a nutty world can more easily understand.” [source: “1600 Squibs And Quips”, compiled by E. C. McKenzie] Have you experienced conversations or situations where such seemed to be the case; the nuttier the idea the quicker it was accepted?

Part of the reason many in this world struggle with coming to grips with the truth is they are trying to comprehend it based on the wrong wisdom. Some things don’t seem to make sense until one begins to develop the “mind of Christ.” ( 1 Corinthians 2:16) Worldly views of things -- even of Jesus (i.e. 2 Corinthians 5:16) -- make it difficult to understand the true SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE. That’s where Nicodemus struggled in his discussion with Jesus regarding being born again. (note John 3:4 & 12) It didn’t make sense physically, but as Christians, we know how it does SPIRITUALLY.

In Paul’s first letter to the church at Corinth he noted…
“(20) Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? HAS NOT GOD MADE FOOLISH THE WISDOM OF THE WORLD? (21) For since, in the wisdom of God, THE WORLD DID NOT KNOW GOD THROUGH WISDOM, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.” ( 1 Corinthians 1:20-21 ESV)

Had the world (in its wisdom) understood what was going on, Paul declared they would not have crucified the Lord. ( 1 Corinthians 2:8) There is wisdom beyond ourselves to which we must look. If man’s wisdom were enough, would not this world be a better place to live than it is? Those who simply go with their feelings or personal inclinations will always struggle with the wisdom of God.

Paul went on to point out…
“The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them BECAUSE THEY ARE SPIRITUALLY DISCERNED.” ( 1 Corinthians 2:14 ESV)

Religion based on a crucified Christ was a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles. ( 1 Corinthians 1:22). However, to come to know our Lord’s power over death and His ability to renew life gives us all the hope we need to press on toward the eternity that awaits us. May we continue to view life through SPIRITUAL eyes while maintaining a faith resting on what God has revealed.

Have a great day ACCEPTING THE WISDOM FROM ABOVE!
Carl

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