"Let no one take me for a fool. But if you do, then receive me just as you would a fool, so that I may do a little boasting. In this self-confident boasting, I am not talking as the Lord would, but as a fool. Since many are boaasting in the way the world does, I too will boast. You gladly put up with fools since you are so wise!" -- 2 Corinthians 11:16-19

I read this text and can't help but have the image of a football player running into the end zone to score a touchdown with finger raised high pointing to heaven.  In the interview that follows, the player says it wasn't him, but God that helped the team win (as though God wanted one team to win over another).  It always irritates me a bit when I see that, and I'm quick to point out the foolishness of it.  But after reading this, I may think a bit differently about it.  I understand that, especially in sports, bragging and swagger are all part of the show.  We talk "smack" and love to build ourselves up and put the competition down.  But to bring God into it is foolish... in that God probably isn't that interested in one team of millionaires beating another team of millionaires in a game.  Nevertheless, by pointing to heaven, they are reminding people of God.  By giving the glory to God (even if it's misplaced), God enters the conversation, and we can talk about it... even laugh a little at the fool who is bragging about God's great play in that game... in a similar way Paul was laughed at.  So it makes me realize that it's not that that player that's the fool, but maybe it's me.

Readings: Isaiah 6:1-7:25; 2 Corinthians 11:16-33; Psalm 54:1-7; Proverbs 23:1-3