Foolishness or Power?

Why would a wrestler eat next to nothing just to drop to a lower weight class? Why would a football player run full speed into someone 300 pounds or more? Why would a baseball player stand at the plate facing a 96 mph fastball? Why would a volleyball player take on the challenge of digging a monster spike? To someone who doesn’t understand athletics these acts may be seen as foolishness. However, to the serious competitor, these “acts of foolishness” are at the heart of athletics. True competitors will give it their all in every competition, even if the sacrifice is great.

The apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians, about another subject that many view as foolishness: the Gospel. 1 Corinthians 1:18, says, “For to those who are perishing the message of the cross is foolishness, but to us who are being saved it is God’s power.”

How do you respond to the message of the cross? Is the message of the Gospel transforming every area of your life, including your time spent in athletics? If not, consider if you are treating the Gospel as foolishness and are therefore perishing.

Although it is a horrible truth, the reality is that I do know what it is to be perishing. Before the saving power of the Gospel took a hold of my life, I was experiencing death through my sin on a daily basis. Romans 1:16 says, “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek.” It is through that power of the Gospel that I have been able to experience true life on a daily basis. John 17:3 says, “This is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and the One You have sent- Jesus Christ.”

So, do you view the gospel as foolishness or power? Do you see life as tackling, digging, hitting, shooting, etc., or do you see life as the thrill of knowing God and knowing Jesus Christ? Let the Gospel dictate your life today!