Crazy is the ultimate compliment

"If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit." 2 Corinthians 5:13 NLT

While the great majority of people who woke up to the see the snow falling heavily to the ground early yesterday morning were glad they could stay inside their warm homes or places of employment, lunatic runners everywhere were frantically slipping on their trail shoes and heading out the door as quickly as they could with a smile on their face. I know I was! And I can't even begin to tell you how many bemused looks and comments I received because of my passionate love for running in blizzard like conditions. Apparently I wasn't the only runner who left people bewildered either. Many of my friends were talking about it and my long-time running friend, Randy, even posted about what he heard while out for his winter adventure and his reaction, "'You gotta be about half crazy!" Little did he know that's the ultimate runner compliment... slipping and sliding through a winter wonderland made for a great 10K run! Now time to soak up a hot shower and some wood heat." And why is being called crazy the ultimate compliment to us runners? Because it's proof that we don't conform to society. 

And you know, when it comes to being called crazy, the Bible tells us that Paul, like Jesus, was frequently thought to be out of his "right mind" due to his extreme and uncompromising zeal for the truth and his paramount passion to live for the Lord and unabashedly share the gospel with the lost; even at the expense of poverty, imprisonment and persecution. Which means, as Paul knew, being called crazy for the sake of Christ isn't an insult at all! In fact, it's the ultimate compliment a believer could ever receive because it's proof that they aren't conforming to society or anything contrary to the absolute truths laid out in the Bible. 

So let us strive to be known as "crazy" and radically different from the great majority because of our burning passion for Jesus Christ today my friends. And let us, like Paul, be willing to put aside the comforts and pursuits of this world to pursue only those things that "bring glory to God." 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that crazy people stand out from society. And since we as Christians are to be set apart, let us welcome being called "crazy" because of our passion to know You and to make Your great name known! Help us to shine Your light so brightly into this dark world Lord that the lost would be drawn to You. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Crazy - Newsboys