“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” – 1 Corinthians 1:18
This is a fascinating truth to reflect on! It explains much of the sharp divide in mindset between those who follow Jesus and those who don’t. If you have embraced Christ as Lord and Savior, then His work on the cross is logical, beautiful, and necessary. Sin separates us from our holy God. The wages of sin is death. The only way to deal with our sin is for something to die. It should be us as we deserve to remain spiritually separated from God forever. However, in His grace and mercy, God sent His eternal Son Jesus to die on our behalf. It all makes perfect sense – when we believe.
This is a truth that once we believe it sets us free and makes our hearts sing with joy, gladness, and praise. But for those who don’t yet believe it, it is strange, bloody, and barbaric. For those who don’t yet understand the awfulness of their sin and the terrible price that must be paid for it, this literally doesn’t make sense to them. They raise objections that reflect their lack of understanding of the depravity of sin.
This explains why many will reject our sharing of Christ. The cross simply doesn’t make sense to them. It also explains why we must keep sharing Christ – because for some, the cross will suddenly make perfect sense as they believe. What’s makes the difference? God’s work in their heart. God’s Spirit lifts the veil and reveals the beautiful power of the cross to those ready to believe.
We can’t discern when someone is ready, nor can we make them ready. We’re simply called to faithfully share this truth, knowing that we share the power of God with many who will only hear folly. Share anyway. Share well. Share knowing that the ability for your listener to understand lies in God’s hands, not yours. So pray before you share. Pray as you share. Pray after you share.