Foolish Things Christians Believe: My Suffering is not Fruitless Day 2
The Folly of Fear
For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18 ESV
An art exhibit featuring classical paintings and sculptures of Jesus’ crucifixion was ridiculed by critics. Why this display of arcane torture? It’s past and over, let’s move on. The Christian answer is because of what this suffering brought about for all.
When suffering is evident in life, whether it’s physical or emotional, our culture looks away. Ways are found to anesthetize pain. Drugs legal or not, substances and behaviors of all sorts ease the fear that pain produces. This may be fear of death brought by failure or weakness, or fear of life that is limited by failure or weakness. If it can’t be fixed, there’s no way to cope. Inconvenient changes in life are avoided with an abortion. Painful limitations to the quality of life are shortened with euthanasia. Death is denied by cryogenics. All are grasping at straws - true folly.
Yet, one of the great movie themes is the heroic act of self-sacrifice. We fill the theaters and watch and marvel as Private Ryan’s life is redeemed. I wonder where they got that idea from...
Meditate on today’s verse and the power of the cross. Thank God that there is not one shred of folly in Jesus’ redeeming death for you.