2016-05-31 - Are We Christians Dumb?

A friend of mine asked a poignant question. "Are we Christians dumb?"

My response:

It is dumb to major in the minors. It is dumb when we leave our brains in the parking lot, and idly follow along. I'm reminded of Acts 17:11 (Berean Study Bible) - And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul's message. They searched the Scriptures day after day, to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth.

The people used their brains to validate the teaching of their leaders.

We must remember the Cross is foolish to the non-believer. The Bible has no authority over them.

1 Cor 1:18 (Berean Study Bible) For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Yes, we are perceived as dumb, when we confirm the hypocrisy that people are eagerly waiting to point out. We confirm we are dumb, when we are drinking a cup of Starbucks coffee and complain the design is persecuting us.

We are dumb, when outside forces can't destroy us, yet we let internal bickering render us ineffective.

We are dumb - when we kill our wounded.

Yes, we can be dumb. It's our choice. Or we can choose to follow the greatest commandment, Love God and Love People. (Is the Message too simple?)

In unity, not uniformity greatness is found.

And perhaps being dumb is pushed aside.

David Massey

http://www.cfdevotionals.org

All verses are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.