"And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad"
(Acts 26:24)
Introduction
People who do not know Jesus Christ as Saviour consider believers to be mad. There is a brand of Christianity that never suffers reproach for Christ's sake. It is so bland that even the heathen can practice it.
If we strive for "righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost" it will not be long before others say we are going too far or that we are mad (Romans 14:17.)
Religion is driving you mad
It is certain that the world pays us no compliment when they suggest we are insane, for they regard Biblical Christianity with contempt. The truth is that they had our faith because it convicts them of their sin.
While the world cannot find a just cause for rejecting Christianity, they still label us, who want to live godly, as lunatics and fanatics. Though they use the term 'fanatic' they rarely understand its meaning.
What is enthusiasm?
The word was invented by the Greeks to describe those who become emotionally affected by religion in a bad way. Nevertheless, in modern speech, the word has three senses:-
1. The positive sense. Both the prophets and apostles did things that were out of the ordinary. They were inspired by God and moved by the Holy Spirit so that their own reason, senses and natural faculties were for a time suspended.
2. The neutral sense. People in the world can be enthusiastic about many things, yet are still believed to be sane.
3. The negative sense. Usually the word is used in a negative way. Those who use it are trying to give the impression that those they disagree with are bad or have some mental defect.
By calling us fanatics they leave the impression that we are confused, lost our reason, or have a mental disorder.
All true religious fanatics are deranged persons, for they usually break with morality, and think that God has called them to act in an evil way. They attribute their wickedness to their god.
Types of fanatic
There are various kinds of fanatic, and in the main they are very dangerous. Here are a few of the most common.
1. Those imagine themselves to be Christians. They claim to be born again, but in reality there is nothing to show for it. They appear at first to be on fire for God, but quickly the flame dies out. These people try to get everyone else sorted out. They seem to be zealous for the Lord and filled with the Holy Spirit, but they are simply hotheads who do not understand the first thing about Christianity. Their lives prove that they have no genuine inner holiness.
2. Those that imagine they have the Gifts of the Spirit. They tell everyone that they are endued with power to work miracles, or to predict future events. Time usually reveals these fanatics for what they really are. It is a fact that God does inspire believers, but we must remember that many only imagine they have been. Look at the damage caused by those who believe they are God's mouthpiece for this generation. These people live by impulses, emotions, and flashes in their minds, rather than the purity of God's word.
3. Those who try to work-up the Spirit. These people want the power immediately, and will do anything to feel like they have attained it. They want to understand the Scriptures, and claim they do, without reading or studying them. They will promote a coming revival or miracle ministry with nothing more than fleshly claims and feelings.
Guard against fanaticism
Shameful consequences are always the result of fanaticism. Fanaticism is rooted in pride and a stubborn spirit. The fanatic imagines that he has a higher guide than the written word of God. They will not listen to reason because they have brainwashed themselves into believing that they are God's special minister. All such people are acting upon Satan's wishes rather than the Lord's.
It is important that we stay spiritually alert and "not to think of [ourselves] more highly than [we] ought to think" (Romans 12:3.) We are not called to destroy other people's lives but to build them up and to save them. Trying to force them to act and think as we do is sinful, instead we must use love, truth, and godly reason.
We must not associate with known fanatics, for in doing so we will bring disrepute to our own character as well as Christ's name.
We must not claim to be what we are not. If we do, we will be seen as hypocrites as well as fanatics.
Conclusion
True Christianity follows its Master for "Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God" governs all that it does and says (1 Corinthians 1:24.) The fanatic has no place in the Church of God. The world may think we are insane, but let us not be religious madmen in reality.