Readings for today: 2 Corinthians 1-2, Psalms 149
I read a book years ago titled, “The Enigma of Reason”, where the authors persuasively argue that “reason” - far from being the evolutionary superpower we make it out to be - is deeply flawed and never objective. In fact, they believe what we call “reason” is simply one way of drawing inferences about the world around us. It’s far more instinctual than we like to think. It is driven by desire more than logic and we are far more likely to use “reason” to confirm our existing biases than we are to actually make decisions based on the evidence presented to us.
I thought about that book again as I read these words from Paul, “The testimony of our conscience is that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you, with godly sincerity and purity, not by human wisdom but by God’s grace.” (2 Corinthians 1:12 CSB) God’s ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts. What human beings consider “wisdom” often results in all kinds of tragedy. Consider the “wisdom” of democracy. A system that too often elevates some of the least capable and most corruptible people who are willing to do anything to gain power. While it may be true that democracy as a system is better than any other human political system out there (and I believe this to be true), it too often fails because it is based on human wisdom. Consider the “wisdom” of a free market economy. A system where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer as everyone pursues their own economic self-interest. While it may be true that free markets are better than planned, controlled, or command economies (and I believe this to be true), they too often fail because they are based on human wisdom. Consider the “wisdom” of the sexual revolution. A movement begun in the 1960’s in the United States that has led to all kinds of sexual abuse, harassment, sexually transmitted diseases, the breakdown of families, rampant divorce, widespread pornography, etc. While it is true that every individual should be free to make their own choices regarding who they love (and I believe this to be true), the movement has clearly failed because it was based on human wisdom. The reality is human wisdom is often terrifying and tragic and deeply heartbreaking. It often results in deep loneliness, suffering, and pain. It should not surprise us as we pursue human wisdom that things only get worse not better. Rates of depression and suicide are on the rise. So are rates of reported mental illness. At what point do we stop and reflect on the fact that following human “wisdom” may not be the best path for human flourishing?
As we read in 1 Corinthians, Paul believes “the message of the cross is foolish to those who are perishing. But it is the power of God to us who are being saved. (1 Corinthians 1:18 CSB) This is not a triumphalistic statement but rather one written in tears. Paul surveys the landscape of his own culture and his heart breaks to see so many enslaved to their sinful desires. He spends his life trying to break their chains and set them free. He longs for the day when Christ will appear and all things will be made new. Until that day comes, he calls Christians to proclaim the “foolishness” of God. God has put to shame the wisdom of this world. The idea that God would give His life to save His people makes no human sense whatsoever. Why would God do such a thing? How in the world can this be just? Righteous? Even logical or rational? Furthermore, why would God gather His church from among the poor and powerless? Why does He use the weak to shame the strong? Why does He use the foolish to confound the wise? Why does He use those who’ve been despised to expose the vanity and pride of our world?
He does it for His glory. He does it in order to make His glory known. No one can take credit for what God has done. Why would anyone even want to? God left heaven and came to earth. Relinquished all His power and authority in order to become a human being. He humbled Himself in obedience to the point of death. Even death on a cross. The worst and most shameful death ever devised by the wisdom of man. Because Christ embraced this descent, God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above every name. And now He calls those who follow Christ to walk the same path.
Readings for tomorrow: 2 Corinthians 3-4, Psalms 150