A Fool in Love
by John Michalak
1 John 2:15-16
Don’t love the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the Father’s love isn’t in him. For all that is in the world - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life - isn’t the Father’s, but is the world’s.
Some people enjoy April Fool’s Day. Some don’t.
On this day that celebrates the chance to trick someone into believing a falsehood, coworkers may play friendly pranks. Newspapers with strong reputations may print headlines that sound like they might be true, but aren’t. A friend may invent a fake emergency. Or a family member may deliberately hide something important and then play dumb.
Pranks may sometimes be funny, but most of us don’t like being played for a fool. We don’t enjoy the embarrassment and ridicule that accompanies being fooled.
Sadly, however, when we love the things of the world more than the things of God, every day is a sort of April Fool’s Day.
Of course, if we take advantage of Jesus’ saving grace and trade our naturally sinful tendencies, our lusts and pride, for a life built on worship, service, and compassion — if we forego “getting ahead” through selfish acts and lay down our pride for a heart of humility instead — the world will call us foolish anyway.
No one likes to feel the fool, but it’s never foolish to be in love with God. God is love (1 John 4:8). That’s a love the world does not know… but desperately needs to.
Reflection
What are some of the foolish things I have done in the past? Why were they foolish? How often do I ask God for a new love for His wisdom?
Prayer
Dear God, Thank You for loving me in spite of my foolish failing. You are the source of every good thing in my life. Please give me the courage to play the fool for a world that needs to know You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
