“And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, ‘Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.'” – Acts 26:24
The good news is that if people start to think you’re crazy for loving and sharing Jesus, you’re in good company! Throughout history, people outside the church and even inside it have decried the “enthusiasm” of those whose lives have been profoundly transformed by the Spirit of Christ. Know that as you fall ever more deeply in love with Jesus, some will celebrate but others will question and mock. That’s OK – Christ’s love is bigger, better, and more important than the opinions of the world.
The Roman governor thought Paul was nuts for proclaiming the death and resurrection of Jesus, but Paul knew better. Paul knew Jesus and Jesus knew Paul. Therefore, there was no length to which Paul wouldn’t go to spread the good news and love of Jesus Christ. Likewise, we mustn’t be afraid to be viewed as strange or even crazy for Jesus Christ! We don’t need to be respected in society – we just need to follow Jesus wherever He leads,
We should expect people to question why we would change our lives and habits, sacrifice our time and energy, and give of everything we have to advance God’s Kingdom. Jesus predicted it. Paul lived it. As you grow in Christ, you’ll likely experience it, too. That’s OK – the Kingdom of God and the joy of the Lord are worth it!