God's Unusual Choices

Write From My Heart / January 22, 2021 / God’s Unusual Choices

1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (NLT) [NIV notations added] Remember dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful [influential] or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless [weak] to shame those who are powerful [strong]. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God.

            The Apostle Paul has a very unique writing style—almost like a game of volley ball, tennis, or ping pong. One of the clearest examples of this writing style can be found when Paul explains what it is like to want to do good but being unable to maintain it. [Rom. 7:18-19 For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.]  It’s almost like a parent telling a child, “Tie your shoe so you don’t trip and fall, because if you leave it untied you might trip and fall.”  Once you get a sense of Paul’s writing style, then passages such as today’s text become a little easier to understand.

            To be clear, the early church during Paul’s time did have many noble and highly influential people accepting the teachings of Christ. Many commentaries list names from all levels of society to demonstrate support of this point. However for the most part the early churches consisted of slaves, uneducated, and people of little or no influential status in their locale. These people were considered (for all intents and purposes) worthless. Becoming Christian was a life-changing experience. Then, just as it is today, coming to salvation through Christ brings value, respect, and worth to each and every one of us. How amazing to be among those whom God values enough to give the gift of his only begotten Son! How amazing to be among those whom God chooses to claim as his own.

            The world does not understand this paradox. To the world, those who are affluent, self-assertive, highly decorated or recognized in certain societal circles—those are the people who matter; those are the people who are worth something. But to Christ, you and I matter! You and I are precious in his sight. Each of us has value, and God chooses to use each of us in a wide variety of ways. Those in the world will boast and take pride in their own accomplishments. We are different. Any boasting comes as a direct result of God’s strength, and our pride comes only in willing obedience to the opportunities God provides.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            On days when we are feeling low, remind us of the value we have in you. Remind us how useful we are to you and that we can be your chosen light within a world full of darkness.

            In the name of Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior, Amen.