Devotional - April 2, 2025
Scripture: Proverbs 26: 4-5 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him. Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.
I am writing this on April Fools Day and, yes, the temptation to write an April Fool was great. The thing that kept me from doing so, was past experience. Apparently, I am not good at it. People dont get the joke and then I am in a mess trying to straighten things out. But, I wanted to step away from our study of Elijah for a moment to ponder one question. If I challenged you to write a book of wisdom for future generations, from your own experiences, what would it be? No, you can't tell them to read the Bible and be done with it. Would you write an autobiography where you give a play by play of your life and the lessons you have learned? Or, would you use allegory or fictional stories to recreate your moments of wisdom. Would there be a difference between the advice you gave to others for work, social settings and at home? The proverb today instructs us not to join in with the foolishness of others. When we do so, we affirm what the other is doing, saying, or thinking. Sometimes we go along to make it easier on ourselves, because we do not want to offend them. No one likes being told they are wrong. When confronted, they could care less about the issue. They are focussed on the moment and not looking bad. So what do you do? Staying silent or at least seperating yourself from the situation works to a certain degree. Or, like Jesus, you can tell a story. I like using "what if's" or a personal experience, "when I did that..." It is important to express your view in ways that allow others to save face, while being honest. Can we love even those who are being foolish, enough..., to treat them with respect without approving their actions or attitudes? It's sad that we have to deal with so much foolishness in our world today. In the Bible, the opposite of the fool is the one who seeks wisdom and learns. They escape the consequences of foolishness and benefit from what they have learned (Proverbs 15:14). I worry a bit about this topic. I fear folks think the issues we will face in the future are easy. They are not. They are quite the opposite, but people will listen to well thought out responses. Wisdom. Even people who are prone to foolishness will heed a good word if it is presented right. I am hoping you will want to share from the wisdom you have stored up. How will you do it? Will you do it at all?
Pray with me..., Holy God it can be overwhelming at times. Trying to deal with the foolishness of others and even the foolishness we have in our own hearts. Lead us O God, step by step, day by day. And hear us as we praise You for Your faithfulness. We ask Your blessing on those we hold near and dear and upon our church. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
God's peace,
Pastor Brian
