Beside myself
Beside myself
Words of Faith 10-9-17
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2017
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL
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2 Corinthians 5
[13] If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.
Paul was suddenly aware that all this might sound a little crazy. How could anyone be devoted in such a way as this? Complete transparency before people? Utter commitment to the message? Nothing held back? Complete sacrifice? Many would think the guy was nuts. Paul confesses that if this is the case... it is for the sake of God.
This was a strong statement. The Greek can mean astounded or amazed but the context calls the translators to use the phrase "out of our mind" meaning "insane". Strong language, indeed.
Paul mentions in other places that he was willing to be thought a fool. "I repeat: 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" (11:16-17). "What anyone else dares to boast about--I am speaking as a fool--I also dare to boast about" (11:21).
Paul even suggested that there is a required "foolishness" that is part of discovering true wisdom-- "Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a 'fool' so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: 'He catches the wise in their craftiness'" (1 Cor. 3:18-19). But the language here is stronger even than that.
Perhaps Paul's point is that who, but one out of his mind-- "insane", would show such disregard for himself? Would a sane person willingly face a riotous mob intent on destroying him? Who would be crazy enough to walk back into a city in which he had just been stoned and dragged out? Only a person who was utterly devoted to God would show so little regard for himself. Such a man was Paul.
Yet the Corinthians also knew the "sane" side of Paul the teacher. Such a brilliant theological mind has not been known before or since. They also knew him as a loving father in the faith. So whether they considered him insane or not, his ministry was selfless. "It is for you." Paul had expressed the summation of the Law, loving God with all his heart, soul, and mind, and loving his neighbor as himself.
Perhaps a good question for us is this: Am I willing to be thought of as a fool or even "out of my mind" by others who surely won't understand living by faith and not by sight? Am I willing to set aside the pride of respectability because living as a believer at some point will always look crazy to the world? Am I willing to, in fact, be very clear and of "right mind" for the purpose of loving others even while being a fool for Christ. This was the posture and way of Paul.
Father God, I don't a journey of partial commitment or half-hearted dedication. If the world will view me as a bit crazy, then may it be so. I will be a fool for Christ even out of my mind in my love for Him. Give me also the clarity to consistently love those that You are calling to Yourself. In Jesus' Name.
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