Fools

Atheists

Tomorrow is the national holiday of the Atheist. I say that because, as you know, it is April Fool’s Day. The scripture says that the fool says in his heart that there is no God (Psalm 14:1). While this is a bit of a playful jab at the incoherence of a godless worldview, we must also remember that these are fools because of their willful rejection of the light of God seen in the general revelation of nature and the special revelation of Scripture. I point this out because we could be tempted to look at that position sympathetically but instead we ought to see it for the rebellion that it is. This is not only true when we see it in others but also true when we remember that this was us. We must guard against regressing into faithless actions that are based in unbelief.

Clowns

Just this last week, an internet influencer named JP Sears professed his faith in God (video). This gentleman has for some time been a harsh critic of the draconian policies that have been used the past few years in our country and around the world. He was somewhat famous among those on the right for criticizing the left, while he was probably a rather liberal person himself. As Christians, I think we should desire to affirm and trust every profession of faith even if we are seen to be gullible by the world. However, I must admit that as hopeful as I am that this man has truly been converted, his comedic history does give me some pause to make sure that Lucy isn’t about to pull the football on us as the metaphorical Charlie Brown.

So what should we do when we hear about someone with a high profile or celebrated platform converting to Christ? I would like to suggest 3 appropriate responses. First, we ought to pray for the person. It is never a bad thing to pray for people, and we, of course, want to celebrate the great miracle of regeneration and the advance of Christ’s kingdom. Second, we should also praise God because in His sovereignty and providence He is bringing glory, not to this person, but to Himself. Third, we ought to remember that God doesn’t need the wealthy wise or worldly to grant legitimacy to His kingdom. Instead, He has chosen the weak, winsome, and wholesome of this world to show His power (1 Corinthians 1:26-30).

Fools

I want to point out that the Apostle Paul uses the term “fool” in another way in 1 Corinthians 4:10. In this passage, he is using the word sarcastically to refer to the way that some others have wrongly judged he and the other apostles to be weak and lowly. Paul’s point is that he doesn’t care if he is seen in their eyes, or even in the estimation of the whole world, as a fool, if through that Christ is proclaimed and God glorified.

The point we must understand is that the only evaluation of our lives that matters is God’s. We must also remember that our existence is for His glory and not simply our gratification. If we are to magnify Christ with our loves then we must lose all concern with magnifying ourselves. All the glory, honor, and praise be to our glorious God, sovereign King, and holy Counselor!

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