“We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.”

2 Corinthians 5:12-15

The Apostle Paul is speaking to the Christians at Corinth and showing them the glory of what they have in Christ. He is showing outward blessings, that godless people would see. Those who do not know God, do not value the deep and hidden things of the soul. Without faith in God and trust in Jesus and what He has done, there is no spiritual life, and we do not appreciate Him.

Paul is interested in what is in the heart of these Christians, but He is aware that people have been saying the Christians are “out of their mind” Paul reasons, that if Christian people are out of their mind, then it is for the sake of God and the desire for spiritual life. A Christian will pursue God and have a constant desire to lay hold on deep truths of God. A Christian seeks holiness and to be like their Saviour Jesus.

If Paul is regarded as “in his right mind” then it is for the sake of the believers in Corinth. Paul will show them the life of Christ in whatever way He can.

“To  the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.”

1 Corinthians 9: 22-23

Paul is motivated by love. Love is the motivation of every Christian and love for Christ gives power and peace.

Jesus died for all His people, so that they would die to themselves and live their lives for Christ through and through. We are safe in Christ, because He died for us and rose from the dead for us, so that we might die to sin and live for God.

This is the calling of every believer. Some will see “madness” others will see love. Whatever we face, we follow our Master and seek to be like Him. If we are obsessed with holiness, then we are on the right track.

“Run (the race) in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”

1 Corinthians 9: 24-25