Has anyone every called you crazy?
Maybe the next question is, “Today, yesterday, or when?”
For most of us, it probably depends upon when, where, and who is around us. In moments, any one of us may have been called crazy. Sometimes as a joke. Maybe other times, not so much.
You Are Not Alone.
Way back in the day, the people at Corinth called Paul the Apostle crazy. He picked up the theme when he was writing his fourth letter to them. Here is what he wrote:
For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you. (2 Cor 5:13)
In other words, he says, “If you think I am crazy, it is for God.”
There were those in the church calling him crazy.
Why? Because he was so passionately sold out and dedicated to God. He had a clear understanding of the Gospel. He understood his life purpose. In light of all of this, some other “followers” of Christ thought of him as crazy.
What Made Paul Crazy?
Let me suggest three simple observations as to why those around Paul thought he was crazy.
First, he understood the Gospel.
For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Cor 5:21)
Paul had a clear understanding of what Jesus did for Him on the cross. So much so, he clearly identified it in this statement.
For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.(2 Cor 5:14-15)
Jesus loved mankind enough to die. He didn’t simply die for Himself; He died for all mankind. Whereas we deserved death and hell, Jesus through His death made it possible to live. Therefore, Paul says, he “judges” that it only makes sense then to live for Jesus.
Paul understood the incredible implications of the Gospel; therefore, he lived in uncommon dedication to Jesus Christ.
Second, he understood his call.
Paul made it clear in his explanation that he understood his calling with equal clarity. God not only saves us in Christ, but He also makes us an ambassador of Christ. Think about how crazy this is. In this case Paul, but it is true for all of us, goes from being God’s enemy to being God’s ambassador. As an ambassador, he represents Christ’s values, attitude, message, and methods. Here’s what he wrote about it:
Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. (2 Cor 5:20)
In this statement and the verses above it, Paul makes it clear that he understood the role of an ambassador. The ambassador’s message is reconciliation to God. The attitude? Imploring all people to come. The value of Christ’s ambassador? No matter who it is or what is true about that person, Jesus invites them into relationship as part of God’s idea to provide for the condemned.
God’s call on his life to be an ambassador mattered to him. Paul understood this and it tended to make others think he was crazy.
Third, he understood the journey.
Paul lived every day with a desire to go to be with Jesus. He learned all about heaven in this incredible experience where God either pulled back the curtains of heaven in a dream or actually transferring him there. Paul was not sure once he awoke (2 Cor 12:1-6). What he saw there emphasized the joy of the end of the journey of going home to heaven.
In this text, he explains that he groans in his soul to go to heaven. This groaning, he describes, is from the Holy Spirit.
What is the journey? We walk by faith on earth knowing that we ultimately will get to go to heaven to be with our Lord. He tells us that the Holy Spirit guarantees us of our future in heaven. Further, the most encouraging text, “We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord” (2 Cor 5:8).
Next step: heaven to be with Jesus and enjoy/worship Him forever.
What Does Paul Do Then?
As a result of what Paul describes here, Paul determines to do five things:
- He makes it his ambition to live well-pleasing to the Lord. This is what we call Purpose of Life. When you understand what Paul does above, you determine to live with purpose in life – to live well-pleasing to the Lord. In other words, live a life that honors Him.
- He seeks to persuade others to the truth and beauty of the Gospel. Because the Gospel is so great, beautiful, life-changing, and eternity-changing, Paul takes up the message of reconciliation as an ambassador. He pleads for all to follow Jesus.
- He sees people similar to God. When he looks around, he sees people as God does. Paul understands their hearts matter more than their looks or anything else about them.
- He pleads and implores people to come to Jesus Christ. Paul, the ambassador, invites all to come to the Savior who died for them.
- He invites others to participate in the grace of God as stewards too. He explains, as recipients of the grace of God, do not receive it in vain.
What should we do? Join Paul. Be a good steward of the grace of God. Live consistent with the purpose in life of honoring God in everything. Further, strive to be the best ambassadors of our dear Savior, Jesus Christ.
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