Festus told Paul, “You are out of your mind. Your great learning is driving you insane” (Acts 26:24). William Carey became the father of modern missions and many thought he was irresponsible and naïve and missed the mark of God’s calling. C.T. Studd became a uniquely effective servant of God, serving in China, India and Africa as he reflected, “in spite of the utmost opposition from all my loved ones.” And, of course Jesus’ own family went to take charge of Jesus saying, “He is out of his mind” (Mark 3:21).
God gives us wisdom, which often looks sound and makes ample sense. But, he also calls us to sacrifice which looks neither wise nor sensible to most, only foolish and senseless. That is the marvelous thing about real wisdom. It is not to be confused with looking smart. It is to truly know and do the right thing. And, anyone who has lived for Christ very long knows that doing the right thing is often doing the hard thing.
One hazard of doing the hard thing is the misunderstanding of others. “He is out of his mind” from our perspective is an absurd statement about Jesus from our distant perspective. But, Jesus’ family was reacting to his wisdom which produced extreme life and activity as madness. That is not too far out of the equation. Add wisdom (knowing the right thing) with sacrifice (giving up everything and conventional thinking to do the right thing) and you often have the appearance of madness. Wisdom plus sacrifice is seeing and doing what others may not see or be willing to do. That, in their minds is madness. The most effective ministry in history has often been viewed as madness by others. However, if it is filled with wisdom and sacrifice it receives the powerful blessing of God.
It is usually generations later that see the wisdom and the value of sacrifice and venerate such action as the opposite of madness- sane, effective, honorable and fruitful. That is how we now view Paul, C.T. Studd, William Carey and of course Jesus. God’s pattern is to give wisdom to his people who ask for it. We know that God’s perspective on things is different from our conventional thinking. But, if we see clearly what others may not, giving ourselves wholly to it, it is ministry that seems like madness. If you do that, you will have detractors. But, you will be in great company. We need a few more people doing things to which others say, “Are you out of your mind?”
Great blog Bishop. Thank you so much for sharing what God gives you. :)
Posted by: Account Deleted | November 18, 2010 at 02:23 PM