1 Corinthians 1:18-31

18 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. 19 For it is written:

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
    the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”[c]

20 Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22 Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

26 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”[d]

-1 Corinthians 1:18-31

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Recently, a few of my friends were discussing their interactions with one of their classmates.  This classmate was virulently anti-religious, particularly toward Christianity.  Hypocrisy, the foolishness of faith, etc. were all the reasons brought up in their discussions.

I want to be careful because I don't want to be dismissive of criticisms of Christianity, particularly of us, the followers.  It's true we struggle with hypocrisy—every Christian does, but so does every human being who's a sinner.  And it's true, there are times when we attribute things to "just faith" when God requires us to use our brains.  He did create reason and logic.  They're not antithetical to Christian faith.  In fact, some of the smartest people in the world have used reason and logic to argue for Christianity.

But this passage does tell us that we can only find God in humility.  Only when we admit that our reason and logic can go so far, can we begin to open the doors for the possibility of a relational God.

Likewise, when we share the truth of God, we ought to do so in humility as well.  We didn't come to know God because we are smarter or wiser than others, but simply by God's grace and mercy.  That's it.  There is no boasting in the Christian faith.  Only gratitude.

Are you approaching your friends who are curious about Christianity or even fight against Christianity with humility?