Fools for Christ

"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!" 1 Corinthians 4.10

One assumes Paul is teasing when he contrasts the sacrifice of an apostle with the dignity of those they serve. Or do we detect the odour of rebuke in his words - more sarcasm than irony perhaps? There is a serious point here: faithfulness to Jesus involves being and doing and saying things that are at odds with mainstream society and can therefore render those who practice them eccentric in the eyes of the world and sometimes regarded as downright dangerous. As we enjoy larking about in the time-honoured tradition of the 1st of April, we might consider what being a "fool for Christ" demands of us over the ensuing 364-365 days...