The Foolishness of True Wisdom:
Balancing Spirituality and Medicine at GraceMed Health Clinic
by Stephen Slack,
Chaplain
At GraceMed Health Clinic, we often find ourselves at the crossroads of intelligence and humility where faith, the spiritual journey, meets the medical world. Today, we look at “The Foolishness of True Wisdom,” diving deeper into human intelligence and the profound wisdom that transcends it.
Growing up, I was surrounded by lots of bright and intelligent individuals! From my dad, who mastered mechanical engineering and delivered milk as a ten-year-old, to professors who conversed in multiple languages, intelligence has been a constant presence. In our work at GraceMed, our medical, dental, vision and behavioral experts demonstrate brilliance daily through the care we all seek regarding our health.
At the same time, intelligence can be a double-edged sword—a double bind if you will! At times, our desire to prove ourselves or demonstrate our own intelligence can blind us to our own limits. We’ve all encountered brilliant individuals we wouldn’t trust with our most basic daily tasks. Sometimes genius-level intelligence can disguise our own personal struggles and failings.
In the Old Testament, we learn of King Solomon who chose wisdom over riches and fame leading to wisdom, wealth, and influence beyond measure. However, as Solomon’s story concludes we see that even God-given wisdom couldn’t prevent him from making unwise choices in life. What’s the lesson? Intelligence and cleverness cannot shield us completely from our own brokenness and vulnerabilities.
Proverbs 1:7 is a great reminder, “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” This true wisdom, grounded in the person and power of God means humbly recognizing our place before Him and all of creation. And it’s not about being afraid of God, but rather embracing Him in reverent awe, surrendering ourselves to His guidance.
In the New Testament, Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 penetrate deeply. On the surface to humanity, the cross may seem foolish, but it holds the power of God! Human wisdom cannot compete with God’s wisdom and the crucifixion itself, reviled and mocked by many for centuries, is a constant and profound reminder of God’s transcendent wisdom and intelligence.
And following God’s way of the cross can lead us to appear “foolish” to the world, right? History tells us of many who have defied conventional wisdom to follow God’s call. Abraham, Noah, Moses, and many others (including Jesus Himself) embraced God’s brand of foolishness and experienced life-changing and world-changing journeys!
What might God’s real wisdom be calling you toward today? Jesus beckons us toward a life, THE life, that is truly life! In a world currently and clearly seeking answers, the invitation from God seems to contradict logic, to believe the unbelievable and to live as “fools” for Christ!
At GraceMed Health Clinic, we’ll always recognize the intertwining of medicine and spirituality. The potential for healing always goes beyond the physical, acknowledging the power of wisdom that surpasses human intelligence and understanding. As we care for our patients, we’ll always strive to embrace this eternal truth: embracing the “foolishness” of God’s wisdom leads to a life that is truly life!
Join us! Believe the unbelievable and come be a fool as well!