Avoid Being Foolish
I have never been a fan of April Fools’ Day. I do not enjoy pranks or practical jokes. I try to avoid being foolish. If you have the same mindset, you might appreciate a few insights from Scripture concerning the foolish. What I share is by no means comprehensive, but it does provide a good place to begin if you want to avoid being foolish.
Foolish People Rely on Themselves
In the Old Testament, we read this: This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing! (Ezekiel 13:3) And in the New Testament, the apostle Paul writes, Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh? (Galatians 3:3)
God has graciously given us access to His wisdom and power through the gift of the Holy Spirit. We need not rely on ourselves as we journey through life. Instead, we can humbly admit our need and receive from our heavenly Father all that we need for a godly life. (2 Peter 1:3)
Foolish People Fail to Apply Good Instruction
Jesus proclaimed, “Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.” (Matthew 7:26) We have been given a priceless gift. God’s Word is full of principles and instructions that, if applied, provide a solid foundation for life. The storms of life will come. Don’t be foolish. Read God’s Word and do what it says.
Foolish People Fail to Prepare Adequately
In the parable of the ten virgins, Jesus remarks, “The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them.” (Matthew 25:3) Because they were ill-prepared, the five foolish virgins failed to meet the bridegroom and missed out on the wedding banquet. They were shut out from all that had been prepared for them to enjoy.
Life’s journey is a marathon, not a sprint. In his book A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, Eugene H. Peterson states there is “little inclination to sign up for a long apprenticeship” in our pursuit of holiness. But a long apprenticeship is exactly what is required of us. Patience. Perseverance. Waiting, Trust. If we possess these qualities, we will, in time, enjoy the reward of seeing God at work in and through us.
Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. (Ephesians 5:17) Be very careful how you live. Be prepared for a long obedience in the same direction. Make the most of every opportunity. Read God’s Word. Do what it says. Most importantly, acknowledge your need of Him. Ask God to help you. Be filled with the Spirit. Find wisdom and strength in Him.
