I imagine that many people today have never heard of Patsy Cline. She was a country western singer from the 1950's and died in a plane crash in 1963. Some of you might remember the biographical 1985 movie "Sweet Dreams" starring Jessica Lange and Ed Harris. I always loved Patsy's deep, resonate, passionate voice. Listening to her always evoked emotion; she sang with all her heart. As I listened to the above link, I asked myself: Why would anyone think themselves "Crazy" for what they do? I guess you could substitute the word "pointless", but somehow is just has no punch to it. Anyway, have you ever found yourself in a situation where those around you thought you were "crazy" for doing what you are doing? Here is an example from the old testament...
Job, Chapter 2
1 Again, on the day when the God’s sons came to present themselves before Yahweh, Satan came also among them to present himself before Yahweh. 2 Yahweh said to Satan, “Where have you come from?”
Satan answered Yahweh, and said, “From going back and forth in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.”
3 Yahweh said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? For there is no one like him in the earth, a blameless and an upright man, one who fears God, and turns away from evil. He still maintains his integrity, although you incited me against him, to ruin him without cause.”
4 Satan answered Yahweh, and said, “Skin for skin. Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life. 5 But stretch out your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will renounce you to your face.”
6 Yahweh said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your hand. Only spare his life.”
7 So Satan went out from the presence of Yahweh, and struck Job with painful sores from the sole of his foot to his head. 8 He took for himself a potsherd to scrape himself with, and he sat among the ashes. 9 Then his wife said to him, “Do you still maintain your integrity? Renounce God, and die.”
10 But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. What? Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?”
In all this Job didn’t sin with his lips.
Satan answered Yahweh, and said, “From going back and forth in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.”
3 Yahweh said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? For there is no one like him in the earth, a blameless and an upright man, one who fears God, and turns away from evil. He still maintains his integrity, although you incited me against him, to ruin him without cause.”
4 Satan answered Yahweh, and said, “Skin for skin. Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life. 5 But stretch out your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will renounce you to your face.”
6 Yahweh said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your hand. Only spare his life.”
7 So Satan went out from the presence of Yahweh, and struck Job with painful sores from the sole of his foot to his head. 8 He took for himself a potsherd to scrape himself with, and he sat among the ashes. 9 Then his wife said to him, “Do you still maintain your integrity? Renounce God, and die.”
10 But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. What? Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?”
In all this Job didn’t sin with his lips.
Now, I know the word "crazy" isn't in the text, but it could be. Job's wife obviously thought he was nuts for maintaining his integrity in the face of his horrible affliction. Likewise, Job thought his spouse was foolish for her statement. Crazy? I don't think so!!! But some today will think you CRAZY for believing in God; especially if you fall upon hard times. Job eventually realized that compared to God, HIS righteousness was nothing and he needed to repent (change his mind and life) from his self-righteous attitude. Humility goes a long way with God- repentance goes even farther. Consistent obedience from the heart to the will of God as found in the Scriptures will do the most!!! Really knowing and being known by Jesus WILL DO IT ALL!!!! Don't be CRAZY, BE A CHRISTIAN!!! Only A CRAZY PERSON WOULD TURN DOWN THE FREE GIFT OF ETERNAL LIFE!!!