Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29
According to this world’s standards you may not find that the majority of believers are the so-called “best and brightest”. It is your average Joe, the everyman and everywoman who most often find their way to God. Sure, occasionally a few of the so-called elite will become believers, but more often than not it is your “regular person” who stands up for the Faith and calls themselves Believers in Christ.
Just by observation and common sense I have seen the truth that average, or even below average, people become believers. Over the years I have learned that those I grew up with, old friends, co-workers from the past, are now believers when years ago they were anything but a believer in Jesus Christ.
Today I heard of another person I once worked with that now goes to church. I can say I never imagined him going to church back then, but it doesn’t even surprise me today.
Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 1 Corinthians 1:20-21
In the early years of the Internet I would often argue with so-called “smart people” online. They often had high sounding arguments and based their ideas on a certain system of philosophy, or merely hedonism, atheism, any “ism” that supported what they wanted to believe or whichever argument made them appear smart. Indeed, they were so smart that they were stupid when it came to important truths. I soon got tired of debating them as I realized it’s fruitless to argue with foolish people for they will not stand for common sense arguments or truth that does not fit into their sacred box of knowledge.
For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. 1 Corinthians 1:25
The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. Psalm 14:1
Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
or you yourself will be just like him. Proverbs 26:4
Fools find no pleasure in understanding
but delight in airing their own opinions. Proverbs 18:2
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7
I take great joy in not being among the elite of this world. Like your everyman/everywoman sinner I’m pleased to put my faith in a Living God who changes hearts and minds and scoffs at the world’s wisdom. A God who takes sinners and changes them by degrees into those who will become citizens in heaven, not by anything we did or could do, but by His Grace and His Goodness and Mercy.
So if you are like me, one of the lowly sinners who recognized their need for a Savior–congratulations! You are a member of the only “truly elite club” headed for heaven. But if, sadly, you are one of those who think they are “too wise” to believe in God, above such “lowly thinking”, you have my sympathy and pity. I hope and pray that you will one day join the rest of us “lowly folk”.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for saving lowly sinners like me. Amen.
