1 Corinthians 1:18. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Tragically, there are many pious unbelievers in the church. They practice a religion but do not know the gospel. They “have a form of godliness but deny its power” (2 Timothy 3:5). They are zealous, yet their zeal lacks life and power. They try to love others in a merely religious way—much like the Pharisees—seeking approval and outward conformity rather than the life of Christ.
What they do means nothing to God because it does not flow from His grace or rely on His power. When troubles, conflicts, and crises arise, they collapse into discouragement; without resting on God’s strength, their hearts can only cycle through effort, pride, and disappointment. Genuine faith is rare. Jesus asked, “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8).
Scripture declares, “The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18). Those headed for destruction dismiss what is spiritual; they deny what God has accomplished through His Son, Jesus Christ. Yet the power of the cross was real when Jesus hung there, is real today, and will remain until He returns.
All your sins and deepest problems were nailed to the cross where Jesus was crucified. When He was crucified, you were crucified with Him (Galatians 2:20). When He rose from the dead, you were raised with Him to new life (Romans 6:4–5; Ephesians 2:5–6). What once defined and defeated you? No more.
The power of sin and the curse over you was decisively broken at the cross (Colossians 2:13–15). Our Lord Jesus nailed everything dragging you toward destruction to His cross. He destroyed the works of the devil that dominated your life and family line (1 John 3:8).
Your physical weakness is not excluded from the cross: “He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases” (Matthew 8:17; Isaiah 53:4). In sickness, look to the blood of the Son of God who loved you and gave Himself for you. He has already carried what crushes you. Rise above your weaknesses, declaring, “When I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).
Remember what is yours in Christ. Jesus has already nailed your former bondage to His cross. What once belonged to you—guilt, shame, condemnation—was transferred to Him. What belongs to Him—righteousness, sonship, inheritance—now belongs to you in union with Him (Ephesians 1:13–14).
Lay down worry and take up your identity. Jesus is alive. You are a child of the Most High God. Your Father hears and answers prayer. You belong to heaven; the Holy Spirit is the deposit guaranteeing your inheritance.
Nothing is lacking in the life of those who trust the Lord (Psalm 23:1; 2 Peter 1:3). Do not settle for religious busyness. Receive—and daily experience—the abundant life Jesus promised (John 10:10).
Prayer. Father, thank You for the cross that pulled me out of the pit of eternal destruction. I will love, cherish, and proclaim the cross of Jesus all my days. Keep me resting in Your power, not mine, and living from my union with Christ. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.