Beware (Friday, Week 31, Year 2)

When the world says that you are wise or smart, most often it has nothing to do with God. In the eyes of the world, “wisdom” is almost synonymous with success in business, success in politics, success in social life, and so on. In that light, business tycoons, astute politicians, good orators, inspirational speakers and social influencers are considered “wise”. However, the Bible says that the “beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord” (cf. Prov. 9:10). So, from the Christian/Biblical point of view, any act of wisdom that is devoid of godliness is foolishness. Unfortunately, it is such “wisdom” that the world parades. And St Paul didn’t mince words in writing that “the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God” (1 Cor. 3:19). 

In the first reading (cf. Phil. 3:17-4:1), St Paul warns the Philippians to beware of those who parade themselves as the “worldly wise”: “they walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is the belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things”. Elsewhere, St Paul writes that “Such people (Jews and Greek alike) demand miraculous signs and look for ‘wisdom’. To them, the theology of Christ crucified is a stumbling block and foolishness. But to those who have been called, Christ crucified is the power and wisdom of God” (cf. 1 Cor. 23-24).

A good example of those who are worldly wise is given in the gospel passage (cf. Luke 16:1-8). The dishonest steward is described as being astute, smart, wise or shrewd because he was quick enough to calculate and secure his material gains if he is finally fired for his dishonesty. In the eyes of the world, he is wise. But in the sight of God, he is foolish: “his mind was set on earthly things, earthly gains; his god was his belly”. Unfortunately, this kind of wisdom has even crept into religion. Religion has become a business platform where the “wise” ones merchandise and try to outsmart one another. Christianity seems to be most hit.  

In these times, we have a brand of Christianity that is sweeping across the globe like a mighty wave. Churches have become citadels of wisdom for worldly success. Prayer houses have become solution grounds. Material or professional success has become the recurrent theme in sermons. In simple terms, the gospel is now commercialized. Many preachers are no longer ashamed to parade themselves as enemies of the cross of Christ. It has almost become old-fashioned to talk about sin, repentance and the Cross. St Paul warns us with tears as he warned the Philippians, “Beware of those who walk and live as enemies of the Cross” (cf. Phil. 3:18).