1 Corinthians 4:10 We
are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but
you are strong! You are honored, we are dishonored!
Every year, during the months of
December and January, the circus used to put on their winter performances in my
hometown of Glasgow, Scotland. It was a great treat and although our family
could not afford it every year, we usually went every two to three years. I was
always astounded by the whole spectacle – the colors, the lights, the music,
and the incredible acts. It was a wonderful experience and just thinking about
it now, still brings a smile to my face.
Like every other boy that I knew who
visited the circus, I wanted to be a clown. I wanted to make people laugh by dressing
up in silly clothes, putting on outrageous wigs, wearing a white made-up face
with a red button nose that flashed. I remember thinking that if I could be a
clown then my life would be complete and I would enjoy the sounds of laughter
for the rest of my days.
I did become a clown – I fooled around
with alcohol and made the gutter my circus ring. You could see me stagger
around downtown Glasgow on Friday and Saturday nights and watch my silly
antics. I thought it was cool and a lot of fun, but strangely enough, no one
was laughing. I was a drunken fool and a real messed up person. I was
completely lost to myself, my family, even my community.
And then God afflicted me and
brought me home to Christ. He turned my wayward life around and let me become a
preacher – a clown for Christ. He gave me a faith that would make me foolish in
the eyes of the world, but wise in His Kingdom. Through it all I have learned
this: God has a great sense of timing, purpose and, of course, humor!
Questions for personal reflection
When did I
become a Christian? What did God do in my life to make it so?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we thank You for the
opportunity to serve and worship You with our lives. Build up our hearts and
spirits so that we may become wise in Your ways, even though the world sees us
as fools of faith. In Your Holy Name, we happily pray. Amen.
John
Stuart is the pastor of Erin
Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to ask a
question or make a comment about today’s message, please send him an email to traqair@aol.com.
Today’s
image is one of my latest scarecrow drawings called “On Duty.” If you would
like to view a larger version, please click the following link: http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3679/9617408464_235ea9be19_b.jpg
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