Don’t be Concerned When People Think Your Obedience is Foolish

By Greg Sanders

Matthew 1:24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

When Joseph woke up, he could have said, “Oh it was just a dream.” When Joseph woke up, he could have said, “That was bad pizza I ate last night.” When Joseph woke up, he could have said, “That was the craziest dream I have ever had.” But instead of dismissing it, he realized that it was a divine encounter. He got up and obeyed God even though it seemed foolish.

Joseph received three specific instructions from the angel and they all seem foolish to an unbelieving person:

1. Marry Mary. This seemed crazy. To marry Mary would bring reproach on Joseph’s life. However, as foolish as it seemed, Joseph married her. He did it and God blessed him and continued to instruct him on how to lead his family.
2. Have no relationship with Mary until after Jesus is born. This instruction seemed foolish and required immense discipline. But He did it.
3. Name Him Jesus. –This is the only part of the instruction that made some sense. The name Jesus was actually derived from an ancestral name in Joseph’s linage. But this was not about Joseph’s legacy. This was about Joseph’s faith. Naming the baby Jesus meant He believed that Jesus was the Son of God and would “save His people from their sins.”

If obedience to God seems sort of foolish, just understand that you are in good company. Maybe we should not be concerned when our faith in Christ makes us seem foolish. Maybe we should be concerned when our faith makes perfect sense to those around us. It’s hard to find an example in God’s word of faith that always makes perfect sense.

Today’s Challenge: Trust God no matter how foolish it may look, sound, or feel. Know that putting your faith in Him is always the most fruitful way to experience abundant life.

Blessings,

Greg