Many non-believers look at us Christians as if we’re nuts because we believe in a God no one can see. Yet they don’t think it odd, or "nuts" when they believe in the unseen electrical power in their house or in other unseen powers.
Eternal Perspectives by Sally Bair
Being called nuts can be beneficial
This is the time of year when squirrels and chipmunks make a frantic effort to collect and store nuts for the winter. They must know instinctively that nuts of any kind will keep them healthy during the long, cold months. We too know that nuts are good for us. A high-energy source of protein, they contain dietary fiber, micronutrients, and little saturated fat. And they taste good. Nutritionists recommend that we eat an ounce of raw nuts several times a week.
If nuts are so good for us, why do we label some people as being "nuts?" Often said in jest, the label usually refers to those who try something different, something new, something against the status quo.
We might try hard to avoid the stigma of being considered nuts. Yet in doing so, we may find ourselves remaining in the status quo, afraid to do something different, something new. Many Christians, for instance, try to avoid such a label. We don’t want to be labeled so "heavenly minded we’re of no earthly good." Or "holier than thou." Or—heaven forbid—"a Jesus freak."
In reality, followers of Christ should be holier (but not consider ourselves better) than those outside the Christian realm because, in fact, Christ called us to be holy, separated from the world. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)
If we truly love Christ above all else, we should not be ashamed of being called Jesus freaks or nuts. Being heavenly-minded means we’re living according to God’s will. “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2)
Christ came from heaven to earth to bring heaven to the people. Because He went against the status quo of the church of the day, bringing something new to the people, He gained a negative reputation from the religious leaders. He was called a blasphemer, a deceiver, and demon-possessed. In other words, He was thought of as a nut.
Christ asks that we, too, should be willing to lose popularity, stature, and honor, for the sake of His Kingdom. He goes so far as to say we must suffer—gladly—for His sake. As He did for His Father’s sake and for ours.
Lord, thank You for drawing us to Your Kingdom of love, peace, and joy. Cause us to be willing to endure ridicule and unpopularity for the sake of Your Son, Jesus. Amen.
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