1 Corinthians 1 & 2
“…God was wise and decided not to let the people of this world use their wisdom to learn about him…” (1:21)
Here again is the upside-down God. By upside-down I mean what we think is appropriate God shows us that God’s way is just so different. Which is just as well as our ways are so limited – where as God’s ways open up possibilities for all. If God’s way was our wisdom then there would be no gift and it would be just our effort…and our efforts, no matter how lofty or well intentioned just can’t cut it. Because our efforts condemn where as God’s gift is just that a gift. God decided to be known through humanity…whereas every human efforted religion tries to be heavenly. It is a wonderful irony that we try so hard to be heavenly and God has put all of God’s effort into being human’ly. Why?
So that we would know God as gift. This is really important because no person can claim a gift as their own, as warranted, as earned, as achieved, as a right. A gift is freely given…like unconditional love. It is only unconditional love that can say – forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing – you without sin cast the first stone…no one condemns you and neither do I – rise up and walk your faith has made you well. All of these are a gift…and ANYONE can receive a gift…ANYONE!
