Let the Fool Out — Embracing a Life of Faith that Defies the World

There's a striking statement in 1 Corinthians 1:27 that reminds us, "God deliberately chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise." It's a powerful truth, and one that hits close to home for many of us who have chosen to follow Jesus. Throughout Scripture, and even in our modern lives, we see that choosing to live by God's wisdom often means going against the grain of what the world values. Wealth, status, and power may be the world's measuring sticks for success—but God's call is different. It's a call to humility, love, forgiveness, and sacrificial service—a path many see as foolish.

This so-called "foolishness" is not recklessness. It's not about being intentionally bizarre or irrational. Rather, it's about aligning our lives with Christ—even when it makes us look strange to others. Consider Noah, Abraham, David, the apostles, and even Jesus Himself—all "fools" in the eyes of their culture for trusting in God's promises and stepping out in faith. And yet, each one experienced the miraculous as a result of their obedience. They chose to walk by faith, not sight, and God honored them.

To be a fool for Jesus is to live a life that doesn't always make sense to the world but is deeply rooted in the wisdom and love of God. It means giving generously, loving radically, forgiving repeatedly, and trusting completely. It might mean leaving behind security to pursue calling, offering kindness instead of vengeance, or holding onto hope when others have given up. We are not alone in this; Scripture and the saints before us remind us that God uses the "foolish" things of this world to do extraordinary things.

So the real question is: what kind of fool will we be? Will we let fear of judgment, or the need to appear reasonable, keep us from living boldly for Christ? Or will we, like Paul, wear the label "fool for Christ" as a badge of honor, trusting that one day we will hear the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant"? Let the fool out. Not for show. Not for rebellion. But in full surrender to the God who sees beyond the surface, who calls us not to blend in, but to stand out for His glory.

This week's challenge: Spend time reflecting on the following passages: 1 Corinthians 1:26–31, 1 Corinthians 4:10, Isaiah 55:8–9, and Luke 6:27–36. Read them slowly and prayerfully, and consider what foolishness you may be called into for the sake of Christ. Ask God to grow in you a faith bold enough to look different from the world—and deep enough to trust Him fully with each step.

Led by the Spirit into the Wilderness

There's a sacred rhythm to the number forty in Scripture—a time of testing, preparation, and divine encounter. When Jesus was baptized and affirmed as God's beloved Son, the very next step was not a public ministry or a grand miracle. Instead, "Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, was led by the Spirit into the desert, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil" (Luke 4:1–2). T

his moment isn't just about Jesus' endurance—it's about sanctification. The desert is not punishment; it's preparation. It is in the dry places, the uncomfortable places, that the Spirit refines us, making us ready to live out God's call with purity and purpose.

A Place of Stripping and Strengthening
Jesus' forty days in the wilderness echo Israel's forty years of wandering. Where Israel failed in their testing—grumbling, doubting, and turning to idols—Jesus overcame. And because He overcame, we now have a path to victory through Him. Holiness, central to our faith as Nazarenes, isn't just avoiding sin; it's saying "yes" to the refining work of the Holy Spirit. In the desert, distractions fall away. The noise dims. What remains is the voice of God calling us to deeper surrender and trust. It's not easy—but it is holy ground.

Formed for Mission, Not Comfort
The desert shapes us for ministry. It teaches us to depend fully on God, to rely not on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord (Matthew 4:4). In the Church of the Nazarene, we affirm that sanctified lives are not stagnant—they are mission-shaped. Jesus emerged from the desert not weary, but ready. Filled with the Spirit's power, He preached Good News, healed the broken, and confronted injustice. And so too are we called—not to remain in the desert forever—but to be formed by it and then sent from it, empowered to carry Christ's light into the world.

A Season to Seek, Not Escape
Whether your desert season is one of loss, uncertainty, or transition, know this: God is not absent in the wilderness. He is present and at work. The desert may feel barren, but it is full of potential for transformation. As we journey through our own seasons of waiting or testing, we are reminded that God's Spirit leads us there not to abandon us, but to sanctify us—body, mind, and spirit. May we embrace the desert not with dread, but with hope, knowing that Christ has gone before us, and that the Spirit is still shaping us into a holy people.

Thoughts on Father's Day

On Father's Day, we often reflect on the voices that have spoken into our lives—fathers, mentors, teachers, and trusted friends who shared bits of wisdom that helped shape our character. For many, it's a dad with phrases like "We'll get there when we get there" or "Take care of what God gives you." For others, it may be a coach, small group leader, or neighbor. These words stay with us because they point toward something deeper—guidance born out of care. But this week, we turn our ears toward an even greater source: our Heavenly Father.

The apostle Paul's words in Ephesians 5:8–17 act as a spiritual version of fatherly advice. He reminds us that once we were in darkness, but now we are light in the Lord. That identity calls for a deliberate way of living—walking carefully and wisely through a world that often celebrates what once brought shame. "Be very careful how you live," Paul writes, urging us to make the most of every opportunity. The Greek word he uses implies precision and intention, like navigating a pasture full of hazards—one misstep and you'll feel it.

Paul is calling believers not just to live better, but to live deliberately. He challenges us to ask: "What is the Lord's will?" And the answer begins with drawing near to God. It's not about achieving spiritual perfection, but about staying in step with the Spirit, growing "from glory to glory." When we surrender our daily decisions to Christ, we start producing fruit—love, peace, patience—and gain a sense of direction that keeps us grounded, even when life is messy and uncertain.

This Father's Day, consider this your invitation to return to the wisdom of your Heavenly Father. Whether you're a dad, a mentor, a student, or just trying to figure things out, you are not without guidance. God's will isn't a hidden code—it's found in loving Him fully and loving others well. That kind of life doesn't just happen. It's chosen. One step at a time. One deliberate act of faith at a time.

“Filled to Overflowing” – A Pentecost Reflection

Pentecost is far more than a date on the calendar; it's a divine invitation. First celebrated as a Jewish festival marking the wheat harvest and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, it reminded God's people of their dependence on Him—for provision and for purpose. But in the book of Acts, Pentecost took on deeper meaning when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the early church. This wasn't a new idea, but the fulfillment of God's longstanding plan—to empower His people to reflect His glory and live transformed lives. Today, we celebrate Pentecost as the day God placed His Spirit within us, enabling us to speak with new language—one of praise, boldness, and love. It's not about a one-time experience; it's a daily walk of surrender, filled and refilled by the Spirit who guides us, emboldens us, and transforms us. If we allow Him to lead, our lives become testimonies of God's power, grace, and purpose in a world desperate for light.

This Pentecost, let's not settle for religion without relationship or routine without power. Invite the Holy Spirit to fill your words, your walk, your worship. Let your life become fluent in the language of heaven—praise, truth, grace, and courage. Don't just remember Pentecost. Live it.

Run by Faith

The Call to Run The book of Hebrews encourages believers not to drift but to run with purpose. Chapter 12 opens with the word "therefore," linking it to the testimonies of faith in chapter 11. These faith heroes, though commended, did not receive the promise fully—because God's plan was to perfect all believers together. This truth compels us to throw off what holds us back and run the race set before us with perseverance, not aimlessly, but fixing our eyes on Jesus.

The Challenge of Spiritual Drift The early church, like many today, had grown spiritually sluggish. The writer of Hebrews urges us to mature in faith, move from spiritual milk to solid food, and not be content with superficial faith. God's people are called to live transformed lives—not coasting or drifting, but pressing forward, strengthened by God's Spirit, growing in holiness and purpose.

The Motivation of the Cloud of Witnesses Surrounded by the stories of saints who lived by faith, we are cheered on by a great cloud of witnesses. Their lives testify that we can endure, overcome, and finish the race. Their faith-filled endurance encourages us to let go of both sin and distractions—not just obvious wrongs, but anything that hinders our walk with Christ.

Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus Our greatest motivation is Jesus Himself. He endured the cross and now reigns in glory. He is our model, our source of strength, and the joy set before us. Let us run with eyes fixed on Him, knowing our perseverance is part of God's cosmic plan to perfect His people together. Like Paul, may we someday say, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

This week, evaluate your race. Are you running with endurance or walking with distraction? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you identify and remove the weights and sins that hinder you. Recommit to spiritual growth, to gathering with other believers, and to pressing forward by faith. The cloud of witnesses is cheering you on—and Jesus is waiting at the finish line.

The Ascension of Christ

As Memorial Day approaches and Ascension Day follows close behind, we find ourselves remembering not only those who have gone before us but also the moment Christ ascended to heaven, leaving His disciples with lasting promises. In Acts 1:1-11, Jesus says goodbye not with sadness, but with power, purpose, and peace. His final earthly moments were not filled with finality, but with direction — promises for a life shaped by God's sovereignty, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and purposed toward spreading the Good News. The Ascension reminds us that our story doesn't end with Christ's departure, but begins anew in His commissioning.

The first promise Jesus left with His disciples is this: God has everything under control. While the disciples were focused on when Jesus would restore Israel, He redirected their attention to trust in God's timing. We are not called to figure out the divine calendar but to be faithful in our calling. Jesus' parting words remind us that God is never surprised, never absent, and always in command — even when the world feels like it's spinning out of control. We are invited to live not in fear or confusion, but in confidence that God's plan is unfolding, and our job is to be faithful in the meantime.

Jesus also promised a better life through the power of the Holy Spirit. He told His disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the Spirit to come, and that through Him they would receive power. That same Spirit is available to us today — to give us new life, guide us daily, cleanse and sanctify us, teach us to pray, unify us as a Church, and transform us into Christ's image. The Christian life isn't just one of belief, but of transformation. Through the Spirit, we are not only saved — we are made new.

And finally, Jesus promised His disciples — and us — a mission. Empowered by the Spirit, we are called to be His witnesses, not only in our own towns but to the ends of the earth. This means stepping out of our comfort zones, embracing boldness, and letting our lives and testimonies declare God's goodness. Our witness doesn't have to be flashy or polished — it simply has to be real, Spirit-led, and shared. God works through everyday conversations, quiet faithfulness, and moments of courage.

As we reflect on the Ascension and Jesus' final earthly words, let us move from remembrance to response. This week, take time to ask yourself: Where do I need to trust God's timing more deeply? Am I living with the power of the Holy Spirit guiding me? And who in my life is God calling me to share His love and hope with? Whether it's a friend, a coworker, or a stranger at the store — let your life be a testimony. The same Spirit that raised Christ is alive in you. Walk in that power, speak in that truth, and live out that calling with boldness and grace.

Getting Along When It’s Not Easy

Relationships can be a challenge—even in the church. While it's not hard to love a gracious and sacrificial God, it's much more difficult to love people who are selfish, rude, or unkind. Scripture is filled with guidance for how we're to interact with others, especially when they push our buttons. Jesus didn't just call us to love God; He commanded us to love one another—even our enemies. Paul echoed this in his letters, urging believers to live peacefully, respect one another, and treat others with patience and kindness, even when it's hard.

This Mother's Day message reminds us that a healthy church is not built on personal preferences or avoiding difficult people—it's built on love, mutual respect, and shared purpose. When we make it about ourselves, division follows. But when we shift our focus back to God, we begin to live in harmony. The church isn't a social club or a place to be catered to—it's a mission outpost. As Paul writes, we are to encourage the timid, care for the weak, and be patient with everyone. These aren't just nice ideas—they're commands rooted in the heart of God.

The church's mission is clear: reach the lost, love the broken, and reflect Christ to the world. That means choosing encouragement over judgment, peace over payback, and grace over resentment. Yes, people are messy. Yes, they'll sometimes wound us. But Jesus set the example by loving even those who rejected Him. Our calling is to walk that same road—to stretch out a hand to the struggling, to pray in the dark, and to model the life of Christ, even when it's inconvenient.

At the end of the day, the only way we'll live in unity is to tune our lives to Christ, not to one another's demands or personalities. We can't do this in our own strength—but when we surrender our pride, align ourselves with Jesus, and die to self, we discover a harmony that transforms relationships. So how do we deal with difficult people? By remembering: it's not about us—it's about God.