“For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:26–29)
Some modern Church progressives desire to rewrite many portion of Scripture to reflect modern cultural values and mores. They do not want to offend the sentiments and opinions of those who they are trying to win over or influence. And so, they may desire to soften Paul’s reference here to the Jews which they interpret as antisemitism, or his designating those who reject the cross as fools. Those who go around altering the Word of God in any way to suit modern agendas are driving the church into a chaotic state, a state similar to the one which existed at Corinth. There too chaos developed from the influence of an ungodly culture.
In this epistle, the Apostle Paul addressed the resulting errors and problems which had arisen among the Christians at Corinth. Although they had been converted from paganism, their cultural background and upbringing contaminated the way they did church there, the way they worshipped God, and how they related to their Christian brethren. The situation had gotten so bad that the church and church worship had degenerated into chaos.. Their pride was manifested in their exercise of what to them were the supremely important gifts of prophetic utterances and speaking in tongues, gifts which exalted the user not God as was their spiritual intent. They were so lacking in love, service, discipline, and holiness that the church had ceased glorifying Almighty God.
Paul’s words of correction and chastisement to them serve as words of correction as well as blessing and hope to us all. The good news of the gospel is that while we believers are weak and corrupt sinners, by faith the Lord has been merciful to us, not because of what we have done or who we are, but because of the love and grace of God in Christ Jesus. This realization humbles us, kills our pride so we do not feel superior to anyone else including those who lack faith and are mired in sin. For must realize that without Christ we are just like them. This humility should also inspire us to reach out with love and kindness to them just as Christ reached out to us and share the good news about Him.