To those who are perishing in greed, malice, hatred, and evil, the message of a crucified Messiah is foolishness in that this message requires one to turn from such a life. To those who wallow in power and wealth, the message of a crucified Messiah is foolishness in that it rebukes the misuse of power and wealth. But to us who follow the crucified Messiah, it is a hope that the world can indeed be different because part of the message of the cross and a crucified Messiah is this: Stop killing each other, stop scapegoating each other, stop crucifying each other, stop hating each other, stop injuring each other, stop lashing out against one another,  stop returning evil for evil.

Positively: Start forgiving each other, start loving each other, start caring for each other, and start making the world a better place for all. We follow the one who did not draw the sword, who did not run for office, who did not make a million dollars, and who shunned celebrity status: We follow the one who hung on the cross! Foolish to the world but to us who follow the crucified Messiah, it is the power and wisdom of God to overcome evil and hatred in the world (1 Corinthians 1:18-25).