Free Brain Transplants! Well, not exactly, but an equally radical transformation happens when we make Jesus our Lord. We receive the Spirit and the mind of Christ.1 Paul lays it out at the beginning of a letter to Corinthian Christians.
It might as well be a brain transplant; the change is so extensive. Paul contrasts human wisdom and discernment with the wisdom of God. Unredeemed minds listen for brilliant and compelling speeches laced with logic. Human wisdom baulks at a crucified Messiah. To the worldly wise, the mystery of the gospel seems crazy because, to them, it is encrypted. Even a natural person with exceptional intellect and great achievements will never grasp the mystery using human wisdom alone.
But we are not required to deposit our brains in a bin at the door to the Christian life. A well-used brain is great for making smart choices as we live the Christian life. Embarking on that life requires a faith step. Faith steps and spiritual discernment are not what brains do well. When a brain processes the story of Jesus’ crucifixion, the answer it spits out is—foolishness! The wisdom of God can only be grasped in faith and by the Spirit in us.2
It is wisdom nonetheless, says Paul:
We do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory; but just as it is written,
“Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard,
And which have not entered the heart of man,
All that God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Cor. 2:6-9)
Paul saw himself as a steward of the mysteries of God.3 We’re stewards of those mysteries too, unveiling them to others. Let’s learn some lessons from Paul.
- Paul understood that, in leading people to Christ, persuasive arguments are of limited value; demonstrations of spiritual power are more likely to hit home.4 Miracles bypass the brain. They enter hearts through the back door, as it were, and confront them with frank facts—a miracle means there is a miracle-working God and He cares about the recipient. Pray that God will mingle miracles with your message.
- Paul knew how to listen to God, respond in faith, and apply his brain to obedient fruit bearing. Does your brain hinder or help your walk with God? Make sure it is functioning the way God designed it to.
Please share these Bible devotionals with others who might be blessed.