Midweek Encouragement - "Can We Fix Stupid?”

"Pancakes and Forgiveness”

    ^{“Even as fools walk along the road, they lack sense and show everyone how stupid they are.”}

^{Ecclesiastes 10:3 NIV}

         ^{I finally did it. I ordered the shirt. If you haven’t been with me lately, the shirt to which I’m referring is the one that says, “You can’t fix stupid.” I finally ordered and received it from Amazon. But, sadly, I haven’t worn it yet.}

         ^{Wouldn’t you admit that we live in a world full of stupidity? Stupid acts done by stupid people with stupid motives. I think Forrest Gump said it best when he said, “Stupid is as stupid does.” Some people get really upset when I mention stupid people because they think I’m being unkind. In reality, I’m just being realistic. Maybe I should start with this question, “What makes a person stupid?” I really think it’s a willingness to be wise in their own eyes. We who claim to be Christ-followers believe that we’re not the center of the universe. Unfortunately, stupid people believe and act as if they are, and that's what causes problems for all of us. Isaiah 5:20 says this: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light
and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.”  If that doesn’t sum up the world we’re living in, I don’t know what does!}

         ^{If we can’t fix stupid, what CAN we do? We can correct ignorance. Ignorance is different than stupidity in that ignorance isn’t willful. There are plenty of things we know we don't know. A person should own the fact that he or she is a work in progress and should try and learn something new and unlearn something old every day. An intelligent person knows he or she needs to adjust their thinking or behavior each day. Let me give you an example.}

         ^{A savvy executive hired a new employee. On the first morning, the new hire reported for work, the executive handed him a broom and said, "I like my people to learn this business from the ground up. I’d like you to begin today by sweeping the work area.”}

         ^{The new employee was offended. “What! You want me to sweep the work area? I have a graduate degree in management from a famous university.”}

         ^{The executive responded, “Oh, that's right…. I should have known. Give me the broom, and I'll show you how to sweep the work area.”}

         ^{Since I was 16 years old, I’ve worked at many different businesses, taking different roles in different industries and occupations. I always knew I had to prepare to do work in the future for which I didn’t have the present skills to accomplish. How did I do that?}

         ^{First, I recognized my ignorance. I knew that for all I knew, there was so much more I had yet to learn. I made myself like a sponge and tried to find the best person to work with and study with. The first solution to stupidity is humility.}

         ^{Second, I was always willing to learn and become more responsible. Getting an M. Div. was a no-brainer because I knew I had to learn everything I could about being the best pastor and leader I could be. The second solution to stupidity is being rooted in intentionality.}

         ^{Third, I’ve always tried to be a reader. A steady influx of Biblical wisdom and fresh inspiration can keep our hearts humble, and our souls refreshed. The third solution to stupidity is rooted in being holy.}

         ^{Let’s face it. We’re in a race with no clearly defined finish line. So, we must always be ready for whatever comes our way. Let’s stay thirsty for Scriptural knowledge and never become dehydrated. Christ’s living water must motivate us to be our best for God’s kingdom. So even though you may see me wear “the shirt,” let’s not worry about the stupid that surrounds us because it’s selfish, undisciplined, and worldly. Instead, let’s focus on fixing our ignorance and living a life of faith for Christ! We might not be able to fix stupid, but we can do our best with the Spirit’s help, to not become stupid ourselves.}

^{Pastor Dale}

Pastor Dale (PD) and Pamela his wife are honored to serve the Mt. Laurel Church of God. If this Mid-Week Encouragement has helped you, perhaps it may encourage someone else. Feel free to share this message with anyone you choose. And if you'd like to receive PD's Mid-Week Encouragement, just send an email to (kingdomguy@gmail.com) and I'll accommodate your request.