Too big for your britches

Continuing The Spiritual Journey

By: E. Jane Rutter

Wisdom or foolishness is the message Paul preached to the people of Corinth (1 Cor 1:17-25). The wise man in his arrogance cannot embrace Jesus Christ without proof, while the fool preaches the truth of Christ crucified.

Looking for signs and proof in that which is visible, unbelievers scoff at the stupidity of those who follow Christ. How can you prove Jesus is the Messiah or that he rose from the dead? If he is alive, then let Jesus present himself so we can see, touch and speak to him. Hard core atheists have all the facts laid out to prove believing in Christ or life after death is nonsense. The present is all there is, they argue, and winning the argument against faith is their only goal.

Paul was no fool. In fact, he was considered bright. Raised in the synagogue, a member of the Pharisees, and known for promulgating strict adherence to Jewish law, he persecuted the early Christians for their beliefs. He thought himself wise and righteous.

Until Christ struck him with a lightning bolt leaving him blind and helpless. Christ had a powerful way of telling Paul to quit, as parents of old used to say, “acting too big for your britches.”

Every one of us gets humbled. Whether through physical or mental ailments, financial problems, deteriorating relationships or work issues, tough times come. We reveal our character by how we choose to respond to them.

Paul could have raised his fist in the air, insolently mocked Christ and called him a devil’s agent. He could have stumbled his way home in shame and let his family care for him the rest of his life. Instead, Paul got up and went to Damascus where he fasted and prayed until, Christ sent Ananias to restore his sight and fill him with the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:8-17).

Baptized, Paul left his former way of life to join the disciples as a fool for Christ. Paul never wavered in his belief or commitment to evangelize. No, he responded like Simon Peter who said, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God” (John 6:68-69).

What about us? Are we true to Christ or do we look elsewhere for fulfillment? If indeed, we believe like Paul and Simon Peter, how can we be foolish for him?

• Embrace the gifts God has given us and put them to benefit others.
• Freely share what we have, expecting no return.
• Represent God in word and deed.
• Worship in community.
• Pray for others.
• Let our joy resonate.
• Recognize Christ as ever present as in Saint Patrick’s Breastplate prayer:

“Christ be with me, Christ within me
Christ behind me, Christ before me
Christ beside me, Christ to win me
Christ to comfort me and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger
Christ in hearts of all that love me
Christ in mouth of friend or stranger.”

And so I pray, Dear Lord, strengthen us. Help us accept that we wear small britches that only Your love can fill.