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Gary G. Hoag
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”— 1 Corinthians 1:18-21; Matthew 18:3
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 1 Corinthians 1:18-21
"When the intellect scorns the teaching which purifies it from the passions, and ceases to examine what should be done and what should not be done, it will through ignorance inevitably be overcome by the passions. As the intellect gradually comes to be separated from God, it is more and more involved in difficulties not of its own choosing. Obeying the demons, it makes a god of the belly and tries to find relief there from what oppresses it. Let Saul convince you of the truth of this: because he did not take Samuel for an adviser in all things he inevitably turned to idolatry, putting his trust in a ventriloquist and consulting her as if she were a god (cf. 1 Sam. 28:7-20)."
Maximus the Confessor (d. 662) in Philokalia V2.150.
As the new header photo reveals, we have arrived safely in Sydney. Jenni and I took a walk to the Harbour Bridge with Josh and Loretta Reid and snapped this photo on a nice cloudy evening.
This post shines light one of the most significant hindrances to Christian generosity: intellect.
Jesus says that we must grasp the kingdom of heaven like a child (cf. Matthew 18:3). But you know what the problem is with children. They grow up. As they grow, they gain intellect and most act like they think they know better than to follow Jesus regarding finances.
Instead they choose idolatry. They become slaves to the very money they (wrongly!) think they own.
When I was recently in New Delhi, I preached on the text that includes today's Scripture.
I reminded people that the cross makes no sense to those who are perishing and frustrates the wisdom of the intelligent and wise.
Or in plain terms, those who think they know better ironically walk in ignorance.
Related to generosity, most people think it's about giving a portion of money. That's not generosity. It's a posture only found by abandoning intellect, idolatry, and ignorance - all that separates us from God.
When we read of Saul consulting another god, we say to ourselves that we are not guilty of that.
We need to look in the mirror. Anytime we trust in money, we go down the same path. And we too will be consumed by passions. Notice the way to avoid it.
Draw near to God. Put your trust in Him. The rest takes care of itself.
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