Folly or First Rate?

Christians who serve and obey God appear to critics to be silly and uneducated. Don't allow mistaken criticism to discourage you.

In 1867, Russia was having financial troubles and couldn't defend its territory. The czar decided to sell Alaska rather than lose it.

US Secretary of State William Seward was able to acquire 6 million square miles for just over $7 million dollars! That's only about 2 cents an acre. But soon critics that gave the purchase its name: "Seward's Folly". They said Alaska "contained nothing of value but furbearing animals" and that it wouldn't be "worth taking as a gift."

Nobody thought it was silly when Alaskan gold, salmon, oil, timber and precious natural resources began to generate billions of dollars. Today, no one underestimates Alaska's enormous strategic value. In an event that many considered foolish, God's guiding hand with America's leaders has brought about a wonderful blessing.

Likewise, Christians who serve and obey God appear to critics to be silly and uneducated. Your Bible says: "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 Cor 1:18). Similar to the Alaska purchase, detractors only see religious folly, and miss the powerful spiritual resources. But God tells us that He "chose to use the message that sounds foolish, to save those who believe." (1 Cor 1:21)

So take heart! Find strength in knowing that "the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men." (1 Cor 1:25). Don't allow mistaken criticism to discourage you. That’s folly. God wants you to be confident and secure realizing that He has made the ultimate purchase—you!