Fools For Christ

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Are you a fan of Mr. Bean? Love him or hate him, you have to admit that Rowan Atkinson has a skill set for physical comedy that is a rarity from Hollywood to Bollywood.  He just has that certain appeal that makes all the times that we’ve been an idiot not seem so bad, right?

And 8 years after the forgettable Johnny English movie, Atkinson returns at full comedic speed ahead in Johnny English Reborn.

Apparently he blew it big time in his last mission, so we find Johnny in sort of a remedial spy refresher course…which of course takes place in a Tibetan Monastery.  Because, you know, if you want to be a better British spy, the obvious choice to get your Bond on is…6000 miles away from London!

He then is able to return to his ultra cool job with waaaay cool gadgets and pull off the whole British spy thing as only Mr. Bean and his untamed eyebrows could.  He’s on a mission to save an important life, and his journey through the film provides a satisfying amount of chuckles and guffaws.

If you’re looking for a life changing film that inspires you to be a better version of you…this is NOT your film.  But if you want 90 minutes of English brand buffoonery, then spy out the nearest theater and add some Johnny English to your day.

I guess where I relate to Atkinson the most - and perhaps you so as well - is his ability to be a likeable fool.  What I mean is, he stumbles and bumbles in a well meaning and loyal way that reminds me of…well, me!  If I were to recount for you all the times I ended up with egg on my face (and there was also a time when I actually did have egg on my face)…my stories would fill a book bigger than the Bible.

Speaking of the Bible and fools, here are some interesting thoughts from the Apostle Paul:

If you think you are wise by this world’s standards, you need to become a fool to be truly wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. As the Scriptures say, “He traps the wise in the snare of their own cleverness.” And again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise; he knows they are worthless” (1 Corinthians 3:18-20).

Our dedication to Christ makes us look like fools (1 Corinthians 4:10).

It’s not that we should aspire to be a Bible carrying Mr. Bean, but there is definitely a challenging question here for us to consider:

Are you a fool for Christ?

When you are in love, you do foolish things.  And when you love Jesus Christ, you become a fool.

Paul isn’t insulting us with the use of this word, rather he is saying that God’s way of thinking and doing is not the world’s way.  And when you choose a path in life that is off the beaten path of the crowd, you will be branded a fool.

And what is His “foolish” way of thinking?

Love your enemies.

Pray for those who persecute you.

Give up your life to save it.

Whoever is first will be last.

One Man can die on a cross and save all mankind.

The dead will rise to new life because that same Man walked out of His own grave.

And...

We truly believe every human being is an ever living, never dying soul who will spend an eternity separated from God if he/she refuses His astounding offer of salvation through Jesus Christ…how “foolish” - right?

So in the spirit of Johnny English Reborn, I would challenge you who are born again to focus on being a fool for Christ on the most important life saving mission in the world!  You don’t have to have gadgets and cool cars to pull off this mission.  All you need is the courage to boldly proclaim the gospel at every opportunity, and mix in some “foolish” actions to back up your message like:

Forgive someone who doesn’t even ask for forgiveness.

Be kind to someone who doesn’t really deserve it.

Love an enemy instead of gossiping and hating.

Give to someone who can’t pay you back.

Sit by someone who sits alone in the cafeteria.

Buy someone a gift expecting nothing in return, not even a thank you.

Pray for someone’s healing.

If you do these things for THE Cause in the power of the Holy Spirit for the glory of Christ, you will be foolish to the world, but you will also be wise in the eyes of God…

Trust me, be a fool for Christ today and you’ll hear the words “well done” from Jesus Christ for eternity!

 

It is a good thing to ask ourselves how much we desire to be accepted and look “cool” all the time.  And if we’re honest, it’s probably more important than it needs to be.  So this week, try to put yourself into situations that show your commitment to Christ so that you can be a fool for Him and let go of the peer pressure from the world.

Gracious God, we often try so hard to be accepted by everyone and not look foolish and sometimes it just all gets in the way of following You. Your ways are not our ways. Instead of conforming You to our world, conform us, O God so that we can serve You as joyful Fools for Christ who are passionate for THE Cause

1 Corinthians 1:18. For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

  Venti Jesus Please.This fictional story captures a conversation between three friends at their local Starbucks – an atheist, agnostic, and Christian. Listen in on their real and raw conversation as they talk about life, God, truth and relationships.