Great, eloquent speakers fill the world with rhetoric that mesmerizes the audience. I will admit that I enjoy listening to those that speak well and grandly in the world. But, I am impressed by how they speak and less by what they speak.
“17For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.” – 1 Corinthians 1:17 (ESV)
Paul writes to impress on the Corinthians, that he was not there to wow them with his words and speech. He was sent by God to preach the gospel and it was highly likely that he would not be the great orators of the day that impressed with how they spoke. He was there to preach and allow the Holy Spirit to work among the people as opposed to he himself be revered for his rhetoric.
“18For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God…21For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.” – 1 Corinthians 1:18 & 21 (ESV)
There are many smart people in the world, and they are able to provide for the world in their own way, and I am grateful for these. That is all they are though, smart for the worldly view of things. My need is much greater than this world and I have to look to the Lord for the wisdom needed to get there. The wisdom provided by God is not found in the world, by the world’s standards. Godly wisdom is found only in Him and His Word. I have to focus on it and not look for elegant speakers to bring it to me. I have to look at His Word and those that are also focused on His Word. I am looking for God’s Wisdom and Salvation, NOT that of the world as brought to me by man.
Where are you looking for wisdom? What is your source of salvation? Are you looking for the speaker or the Word of God?
Trevor's Thoughts 