1 Corinthians 4:10 – We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honoured, we are dishonoured! (NIV)

Every year during the months of December and January, the circus used to put on their winter performances in my hometown of Glasgow, Scotland. It was a great treat, and although our family could not afford it every year, we usually went every second or third year. I was always astounded by the whole spectacle: the colours, the lights, the music, and the incredible acts. It was a wonderful experience, and just thinking about it now still brings a smile to my face.

Like every other boy that I knew who visited the circus, I wanted to be a clown. I wanted to make people laugh by dressing up in silly clothes, putting on outrageous wigs, wearing a white, made-up face with a red button nose that flashed. I remember thinking that if I could be a clown, then my life would be complete, and I would enjoy the sounds of laughter for the rest of my days.

I did become a clown in later years: I fooled around with alcohol and made the gutter my circus ring. You could see me stagger around downtown Glasgow on Friday and Saturday nights and watch my silly antics. I thought it was cool and a lot of fun, but strangely enough, no one was laughing. I was a drunken fool and a real messed-up person. I was completely lost to myself, my family, even my community.

And then God afflicted me and brought me home to Christ. He turned my wayward life around and let me become a preacher — a clown for Christ. He gave me a faith that would make me look foolish in the eyes of the world, but wise in His kingdom. Through it all, I have learned this: God has a great sense of timing, purpose, and, of course, humour!

Questions for personal reflection:

When did I become a Christian? What did God do in my life to make it so?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we thank You for the opportunity to serve and worship You with our lives. Build up our hearts and spirits so that we may become wise in Your ways, even though the world sees us as fools of faith. In Your holy name, we happily pray. Amen.

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About the author:

John Stuart <traqair@aol.com>
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
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