In regards to atheists, agnostics, mockers of God, those who reject the God
of the Bible and unbelievers in general, God calls them fools. He pulls no
punches with how He describes those folks. Plenty of them on Usenet
attacking God, Christianity, Christians, etc. John White expounds on the
topic of fools from a Biblical standpoint.
May God bless,
Carl
my website -- http://www.nettally.com/saints/
my blog -- http://www.anniemayhem.com/cgi-bin/wordpress/
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SEVERAL SORTS OF SIMPLE FOOLS
by John White
Luke 12:16-23
16 And he told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man
produced
a good crop. 17 He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place
to
store my crops.'
18 "Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and
build
bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I'll
say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years.
Take
life easy; eat, drink and be merry." '
20 "But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be
demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?'
21 "This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself
but
is not rich toward God."
22 Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry
about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will
wear.
23 Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.
Have you ever felt foolish? That you did something to make a fool of
yourself? Did you ever look at someone and say, "That person is a fool.."
We
simple Bible believing Christians are seen by the unbelieving world as
fools. They scorn and ridicule us in their media. The even sometimes make
fun of us to our face. But I am sure they more often do so behind our
backs.
That's as the scriptures predict. We were named Christians by the world
because they thought it foolish that we should to be imitators of Christ.
"Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: And when he had found
him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year
they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the
disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.' (Acts 11:25-26) Paul,
in
the first chapter of his first letter to the Corinthians made it clear
that
the gospel and those who believed it and witnessed and preached it were
seen
as fools by the philosophers and intelligentsia of the world. Since most
men
in the street imagine themselves to be in that category; this means we
also
are seen as fools by most everyone. "For the preaching of the cross is to
them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power
of
God." (I Cor. 1:18) But Paul said he was pleased to be a fool for Christ's
sake. "We [are] fools for Christ's sake . ." (I Cor. 4:10)
Historically, the word fool has had different connotations in different
cultures. You may recall that the word fool was synonymous with court
jesters and clowns of yesteryear. Even in our day the word is thrown
around
loosely and even sometimes used as a term of endearment. But a casual
examination of the Word of God will confirm that God used the word
seriously. Our Savior strongly cautioned about the dire consequences that
could await those who may casually call others fools. "whosoever shall
say,
Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.. ." (Matt. 5:22a)
Since God considers the word so seriously, we can be sure that when God
defines and condemns a fool His Words are not to be taken lightly. When
one
finds himself fitting God's description of a fool, it is no small matter.
God went to considerable lengths to define general categories of fools
throughout His Word. He twice called all God-denying, Christ rejecters
fools, "The fool hath said in his heart, [There is] no God...." (Psalm
14:1,
53:1) He consistently called liars and slanderers fools. "He that hideth
hatred [with] lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, [is] a fool."
(Prov. 10:18) He pointed to egotistical, conceited and proud people and
called them fools. "The way of a fool [is] right in his own eyes: but he
that hearkeneth unto counsel [is] wise." (Prov. 12:15) He identified
ragers
(perhaps road ragers?) as fools. "A wise [man] feareth, and departeth from
evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident." (Prov. 14:16) He said that
those who will not heed parental instruction and will not be accountable
to
reproof are fools. "A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that
regardeth reproof is prudent." (Prov. 15:5) He said that many fools seem
prone to repeat their foolishness over and over again. "As a dog returneth
to his vomit, [so] a fool returneth to his folly." (Prov. 26:11)
Yes, God and His Son, Jesus Christ, considered foolishness a most serious
affliction. So much so, that Jesus shared this parable with us to
illustrate
the foolishness of those who are the greatest fools of all. Those who deny
God. Those who leave Him out of their lives and plans for the future, both
here and in eternity.
But let's make sure we understand the fool described here had some good
and
commendable qualities. He perhaps could have been seen as paragon of
virtue
and a good neighbor and friend by those around him.
I'm sure God did not call him a fool because He was a farmer. Although in
today's economic climate some farmers may see themselves in that light at
times. It is clear in the Word of God that God has always seemed to have a
special affection for those who till the earth and sow the seed to bring
fourth bountiful harvests. Rather than being characterized as fools, the
men
on the land could more clearly be characterized as being the salt of the
earth.
It should also be clear God did not call him a fool because he was a hard
worker who worked from sun to sun. It is only in our leisure oriented
society that a glorification of indolence and slackness has occurred.
Those
who are now advocating shorter and shorter work weeks should remember that
God initiated a six day work week. God said that he who refuses to work
shouldn't be given a free lunch. He also said the person who would not
work
and take care of his own household is worse than an infidel.
He wasn't characterized as a fool because he was rich; even though Jesus
does desribe three different rich men as acting very foolishly. This man
as
well as the rich young ruler in Matthew 19 and the rich man who goes to
hell
in Luke 16. But Job was one of the richest men of his time. So was
Abraham.
And what about Solomon? God was not implying he was a fool because he was
responsible, frugal, careful and took care of what he had. The Bible
commends a balance of all these qualities. So why did God call him a fool?
Perhaps God Jesus wishes us to examine the negative qualities and
character
flaws of this fool and then determine the sorts of things that make men
simply fools in God's eyes.
This man was clearly a SELF-CENTRED FOOL. (See verse 17) This
self-centered
egoist uses the personal pronoun I six times and the pronoun my five
times.
It is clear that he saw himself residing at the very centerof his little
world as well as being main attraction in the larger world around him.
Someone has pointed out the the letter "I" is at the center of both sin
and
pride.
I am sure we can all identify with this foolish attitude. The great
apostle
Paul indicated a struggle with the sin of pride was all too common place
among believers. He talked about the struggle in avoiding that which was
wrong and doing that which was right. As someone has said, "The trouble
with
me, is me!" I'm afraid many Christians are like Paul and me. We've found
that most sin problems come from within and are of our own making. In
fact,
I can whole-heartedly agree with Paul's lament when he said, "Oh wretched
man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?"
Victory in our spiritual warfare with the sin and pride of our flesh can
only come when we fully yield to God. We should make a once and for all
presentation of our entire being to God. Paul urges us to present our
bodies
as a complete living sacrifice unto God, implying this is the only way we
can reasonably expect to win the battle. This implies a completed rather
than a compartmentalized transaction. An absolute transformation and
renewal
is required. We are not to give Him our talents this year, our family next
year and our money the year after that. It's all one ball of wax with God.
He never settles for less than one hundred percent. If He is not Lord of
all, He is not Lord at all.
But God describes this fool as one who has altogether ignored His very
first
commandment. "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and
with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this
[is] the first commandment." (Mark 12:30) How many really take Christ's
call
for complete committal seriously? "But seek ye first the kingdom of God,
and
his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matt.
6:33) It is foolish for either the saint or sinner to have priorities that
relegate our Saviour to second place. "Set your affection on things above,
not on things on the earth." (Col. 2:2)
How do fools today make this same sort of mistake? Some pray, "Lord bless
me, my wife and two kids - us four and no more." They ignore our Savior's
selfless example and teaching. "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any
[man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and
follow me." (Matt. 16:24) Are crosses today only for church steeples or to
be worn around the necks of worldly entertainers?
I once heard of an advertisement in a Christian Bookstore, 'Special,
Crosses, Fifty Percent Off'? Too often we Christians shop for a discounted
cross rather than take up His cross of self-denial. Some want a
vinyl-padded
cross that's not too heavy. Others look for a small, flat cross which can
be
put out of sight when they wish to practice secret disciple****p. Still
others look for a jeweled cross which can make them part of the
fa****onable
in-crowd. But the cross of authentic disciple****p is a plain, rough wooden
cross that takes a lot of effort to carry. The type on which our Savior
was
crucified. And this is the cross of disciple****p which we as His followers
are called to carry. But one im****tant difference is that Jesus Himself
has
promised to stand with us and help us bear the load. He who said, 'Take up
your cross,' also declared, 'My yoke is easy, and my burden is light'."
There are no cheap crosses!
This man was obviously a SELF-SUFFICIENT FOOL. He does not even once
mention
how God had blessed Him and he assumes all has been wrought by his own
hand.
"That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he
maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on
the
just and on the unjust." (Matt. 5:45) This fool did not seem to not
understand that we owe our breath and very being to God. "For in him we
live, and move, and have our being; .. " (Acts 17:28) "Every man also to
whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat
thereof, and to take his ****tion, and to rejoice in his labour; this [is]
the gift of God." (Ecc. 5:19) He does not seem to understand that God
could
close His hand of provision and blessing at any moment. "Thou openest
thine
hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing." ("Psalm 145:16) He
seemed oblivious to the need of spiritual blessings from God. "Or
despisest
thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not
knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?" (Ro. 2:4)
Just how could this rich man have laid up treasure in heaven rather than
spending his days obsessed and absorbed with ac***ulating riches that
would
perish? "Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go [and] sell that
thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven:
and
come [and] follow me." (Matt. 19:21) Jesus is emphasizing the willingness
and the need to place Him first in all. Doing so opens the door to
heaven's
treasury! What are you holding back that God wants you to lay on His altar
of service? The treasure of time? Talent? Money?
Jesus shows us a SPIRITUALLY STARVED FOOL. (Verses 18-19) This fool
imagined
that happiness somehow lay in the acquisition and ac***ulation of material
things. Sound familiar? Who is selling that bill of goods today? How? As
far
as wealth and material things are concerned, how much is enough? "He that
loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth
abundance with increase: this [is] also vanity." (Ecc. 5:10) A little boy
once asked his grandfather, "Grandad, just how much money does a rich man
have to have before he thinks he has enough?" His wise grandfather
replied,
"He always thinks he needs just a little more!"
Does happiness lie in the direction of entertainment, parties and and a
constant seeking to satisfy our sinful sensuous nature? How many today, as
this rich man, are providing for the material, but ignoring the spiritual?
How many parents are abundantly providing for the physical needs of their
children and absolutely ignoring or neglecting their spiritual future?
We are often horrified and heart-broken when we see images of severely
starved children in faraway lands. This is properly so. Our hearts should
be
touched with their pain. But would it not be good if we could view the
plight of those who suffer from spiritual malnutrition with at least an
equal amount of horror? Is spiritual starvation, suffering and deformity
any
less destructive and distressing in the eyes of God? Is spiritual
malnutrition not even more eternally significant than tem****al
deprivation?
And yet we seem to take it in our stride as being an inevitable part and
parcel of the human condition.
I am sure it would be fair to say that this condition is all too prevalent
among God's people today. We seem to be surrounded by a veritable army of
those who are merely spiritual survivors. Who seem to ingest just enough
to
enable them to weakly struggle on from day to day, always defeated and
never
really knowing the robust victory the Lord intended in the lives of His
people. Is it unfair to comment on the overwhelming number who seem to
suffer from spiritual rickets? Those who seem to stagger through life on
spindly and wobbly spiritual limbs with the ribs of their skeletal
spiritual
frame protruding for all the world to see?
It might be even more im****tant to ask ourselves if this is the normal
expectation among Christians today? If, as someone has said, a Christian
lived the normal Christian life described in the New Testament, would he
be
viewed as abnormal by other Christians and the world around him? Perhaps
we
should recognize anything short of continuing robust spiritual growth
constitutes spiritual malnutrition and is at least as pathetic and
pitiful.
Would we be drawing too long a bow to assert that SPIRITUAL STARVATION AND
MALNUTRITION IS FOOLISH? Especially when we know that it is not God's will
for man to suffer from SPIRITUAL RICKETS!
It is all too apparent that Jesus is telling a story about A SHORT-SIGHTED
FOOL. (See Verses 21, 31,32) It is clear that this rich man spent his life
preparing for his few earthly years without any regard for eternity. Jesus
once asked an all im****tant rhetorical question on this issue, "For what
shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own
soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Mark 8:36-37)
What is the world's answer? What is your answer? What is God's? A
short-sighted fool loves his body more than his soul. A short-sighted fool
cares more for physical health than spiritual. A short-sighted fool lays
up
his treasure in the wrong store house. A person's priorities and purposes
in
life can truly be reflected by what he values as treasure and where he
places it. "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and
rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up
for
yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt,
and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure
is, there will your heart be also." (Matt. 6:19-21)
This short-sighted fool presumed upon tomorrow. (See Verses 19-20) He
seemed
to feel he could take it with him. But not so. "As he came forth of his
mother's womb, ****d shall he return to go as he came, and shall take
nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand." (Ecc. 5:15)
His
greatest mistake was to assume he would have a tomorrow! "Whereas ye know
not what [shall be] on the morrow. For what [is] your life? It is even a
vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." (James
4:14) A wise person does not presume upon tomorrow, but makes the right
preparation today to meet his Maker today. ". . . behold, now [is] the
accepted time; behold, now [is] the day of salvation." (II Cor. 6:2)
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