1 Corinthians 1:26-31 NIV
“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. 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. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. 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. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.””
We remembered that when God told Samuel to anoint David, “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”” (1 Samuel 16:7 NIV) Jesse called his seven sons to come back to see Samuel, except David. 1 Samual 16:11 told us that not until Samuel asked Jesse, then Jesse sent for David. In Jesse’s mind, David was the youngest and he was not that important at all. Do we have that kind of mentality like Jesse?
1 Cor 1:26-31 describe the ways that God calls His people to service. According to human standards, the called people are not wise, not influential and not with noble birth. However, those genuine followers of Jesus Christ, their virtue and character, their ability and attitude are far more superior than those worldly people, who may seem to have wisdom, power and authority. Because God is with those genuine Christians, they are redeemed by Jesus Christ, God is the source of wisdom, Christians live with holiness and righteousness. These are so awesome to have.
“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. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”” (1:30-31) We can endure all things with will and power, not because of our own ability, but because God is with us. Hence, we have nothing to boast. We need to humble ourselves. I am not saying that we have to look down on ourselves, rather, we walk alongside with God. All the honour and Glory are to our God. This is what we, the genuine Christian, ought to do. May we do this together with a joyful heart.