The Paradox of the Gospel

A paradox is an apparent incongruity. In many ways, the gospel is a paradox. Whatever my "natural" mind thinks, I can be fairly sure that the gospel is going to challenge it. Consider this:

In order to live, I must die. Really?

In order to be spiritually mature, I must become like a child. What?

In order to be first, I must become last. C'mon.

In order to be great, I must become a servant.  Huh?

In other to be strong, I must be weak.  You're kidding?

God's ways typically are not my ways. So by grace, I hope to begin thinking more paradoxically. Of course, this will require me to believe the gospel.