The gospel calls us to do things that seem ignorant compared to the “enlightened world” around us. This may be more evident in Paul’s first Corinthian epistle than in other places. In chapter one Paul argues, “For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (I Cor. 1:18). God’s ways are wiser than the worldly can comprehend. This truth is best displayed in the cross as Paul says:

²¹ For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. ²² For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; ²³ but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block, and to Gentiles foolishness, ²⁴ but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. ²⁵ For the foolishness of God is wiser than mankind, and the weakness of God is stronger than mankind (I Cor. 1:21-25).

The way God worked redemption through the bloody cross of Calvary sets the stage for this discussion. God has always done things His way and if we want to be right with Him we will do things His way too. The admonitions through Paul’s epistle are contrary to earthly wisdom. 

Paul didn’t try to impress them with wisdom and words, but preached Christ and Him crucified (I Cor. 2). Our culture wants to impress everyone with how eloquent and wonderfully wordy we can be. Not Paul! He wanted people to be impressed with the wisdom of God and the person of Christ. 

He advocated supreme humility and for people to not seek elevation (I Cor. 1, 3). Our culture thinks you should draw lines, create followers, and garner as many people behind you as you can. If you aren’t elevating self, you are wasting your time! Not Paul! He didn’t want followers, he wanted fellow imitators to follow Jesus. 

He advocated calling out sin publicly (I Cor. 5). Our culture, if they argue against sinful practices, would ‘wisely’ urge you to hide such matters. You don’t want to drive anyone away, or make anyone uncomfortable, or hold anyone accountable. Everyone needs to go out and do things their own way. Not Paul! He understood sin separates people from a holy God and so NO one can afford to leave sin unanswered. 

These few examples aptly prove the point. God’s wisdom is contrary to culture’s wisdom. But thankfully we are striving to follow Him and not them. No one’s wisdom could have crafted a way of salvation like God in His wisdom did. And so, we, like Paul, can proudly state: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Rom. 1:16). It is His wisdom, His wonder, His will, and I’m thankful to be a part of it.