Today is April 1st, a day known as “April Fools Day.” It’s a day when people play silly pranks, tell jokes and overall, seek to have fun at another person’s expense. In a sense, both the joker and the one on whom the joke has been played may be considered, “fools” in the spirit of fun. But in a very serious sense, being a fool is no laughing matter.
A fool may be described as someone who is “a silly or stupid person; a person who lacks judgment or sense,” (Dictionary.com). The Bible, however, states that a fool is anyone who says “There is no God.” The Scriptures teach us many important lessons about fools…
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
but a wise man listens to advice. Proverbs 12:15 (ESV)
Like a dog that returns to his vomit
is a fool who repeats his folly. Proverbs 26:11 (ESV)
Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense,
but a man of understanding walks straight ahead. Proverbs 15:21 (ESV)
Fools are always right in their own eyes… We can avoid being foolish by seeking godly wisdom, accepting godly counsel and admitting when we are wrong.
Fools continue to repeat behaviors that bring about their own destruction… When we continue to repeat behaviors that we know are destructive and against God’s ways, we are acting like a fool. We must ask the Lord to help us and give us the mind and the will to break cycles of dysfunction.
Fools would rather enjoy “sin for a season” than to walk “straight ahead…” When we take “spiritual detours” and side step the “right path,” we will reap the painful consequences of momentary gratification. It is important to remember that each action yields a consequence.
The fool says, “There is no God…” It is foolish to believe that things in this life, in the world and in our lives “just happen.” It is foolish to believe that there is no accountability for our actions. God is sovereign. Whether humans acknowledge God or not, God’s omnipotence (all powerful) is not contingent upon humanity’s beliefs. The wise will humble themselves before the Lord, seek God’s wisdom and knowledge, turn from wicked and foolish ways and follow the path of righteousness. The wise will learn lessons from mistakes. The wise will keep walking “straight ahead.”
In this season and every season, may we honor the GREAT and awesome God. May we walk in wisdom, not leaning to our own understanding. May we seek the Lord’s mercy and favor. May we humble ourselves, pray, seek God’s face and turn from wicked ways so that we may be healed.
Don’t be a fool!
In faith, hope and perseverance,
Pastor Chris
www.shepastorchris.org
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