Fools for Christ

Read: 1 Corinthians 4:8–13

 “We are fools for Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 4:10

Most of us want to be respected, appreciated, and thought well of. Yet Paul uses a surprising description of himself and the other apostles: “We are fools for Christ” (1 Corinthians 4:10). The Corinthians valued strength, recognition, and status, but Paul pointed to a different picture of Christian faithfulness. The apostles experienced hunger, hardship, persecution, and slander, yet continued serving Christ. Paul was not suggesting that Christians should seek suffering or humiliation. Rather, following Jesus had become more important than protecting his comfort or reputation. Oswald Chambers describes this as being “separated unto the gospel.” The question was no longer, How will this make me look? but, Will Christ be seen through me? Chambers captures Paul’s calling beautifully: “to reveal His Son in me” (Galatians 1:15–16).

Growing up, one of the hymns we often sang at home—and still sing today—was Jesu, Jesu, adapted by Tom Colvin from a Ghanaian folk song: “Fill us with Your love, show us how to serve.” Its picture of Jesus kneeling and washing His friends’ feet has stayed with me. Jesus was their Lord and Teacher, yet He took the place of a servant and told His disciples, “I have given you an example” (John 13:15). Richard Foster says that Jesus “picked up a basin and a towel and… redefined the meaning and function of power.” Paul lived in that same spirit: “When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly” (1 Corinthians 4:12–13). We are stewards not only of possessions, but also of our influence, reputation, and responses to others.

Perhaps one of the hardest things to place in God’s hands is our reputation. We want to be understood and appreciated, yet faithfulness may sometimes mean serving unnoticed or being misunderstood. Today our basin and towel may be an unnoticed act of kindness, responding graciously to criticism, helping someone who cannot repay us, or serving a neighbor we might otherwise overlook. We need not seek ridicule, but neither should fear of it determine our obedience. A good steward asks not, “How will this make me look?” but “How can my life reveal Christ?” As John the Baptist said, “He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30).

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, 

Fill us with Your love and show us how to serve. Free us from seeking recognition and approval. Give us the humility to take up the basin and towel, the grace to bless when criticized, and the courage to remain faithful when misunderstood. May our lives reveal Christ to the neighbors You have placed around us. 

Amen.