Are you crazy?!!!

 If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.  For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.  And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 2 Corinthians 5:13-15

Ever been called crazy for running too much (try running with TEAM413, you'll be called it "out of your mind" often!)?  Or perhaps being overzealous in some other activity? What about being crazy for serving God?  Do you love him that much?

Everything that Paul and his friends did was to honor God.  While the fear of God certainly motivated them, it was the love of Christ that kept them "pressing on".  Their love was so great that they couldn't do anything less than give them their lives. They knew, for certain, that Jesus had given His life for their sake.  And they knew that Jesus did this out of his unselfishness.  He had the power of Heaven in his grasp but still "died for us all".  Yes, that means you!!  All this for us!  

Because of this, we are to be dead to our old selves.  Like Paul, we should no longer live to please others, we should spend our lives pleasing Christ.   Crazy? Out of our mind?  To the world, yes.  But, to followers of Jesus, it makes perfect sense!!  So... in everything you say and in everything you do, let it bring glory to God.  That includes your running.  If it's not bringing glory to God, it's only running.  Don't miss the opportunity to use your gift to show others the power of Christ in your life.

Heavenly Father, please remind us that the world's view of us is not what matters.  Let us not confuse the two as we desire to always put you first. Help us to serve you with all we have ignoring what the world says we should be.  Amen.

Here's another for your playlist my runner friends.  Enjoy!!!!