We all have crazy people in our lives and crazy situations to deal with. The world is a little crazy and we see crazy people everywhere…at the store, in the office, at school, in our neighborhood. We aren’t talking about mental illness/textbook crazy; we are talking about people who are self-absorbed, living life off the rails, those who have dismissed God from the throne of their lives and reject his wisdom. Those who have chosen a crazy path. Our challenge is navigating the craziness, dealing with crazy people, disregarding the crazy talk, the crazy ideas, and recognizing wisdom and truth. It’s a constant challenge because crazy is always vying for our attention and our time. Thankfully we have the Bible to show us the way, point us in the right direction. Scripture shows us how to live, how to deal with people, how to navigate crazy. The Bible gives us many examples so we can learn from history.

Scriptures – Da 5:1-4, 6, 13, 18, 22-23, 30-31; Pr 16:18; 2 Co 6:2

Verse – I tell you that the “right time” is now. The “day of salvation” is now. (2 Co 6:2)

Thought

As a follower of Christ, we need to be prepared to deal with crazy in a way that is God-honoring. Daniel had a lot of experience dealing with crazy people and crazy situations. In the 5^th chapter of Daniel we read the story of King Belshazzar, grandson of Nebuchadnezzar. Belshazzar is basking in his own glory and power, much as his grandfather did. Sadly, Belshazzar didn’t learn from Nebuchadnezzar’s insanity, fall from power, and ultimate repentance and recognition of the one true God. However, when Belshazzar finds himself in a confusing and frightening situation, he sends for Daniel. Daniel exemplifies the characteristics needed to deal with crazy. First, it requires integrity. Daniel was remembered and called upon to advise King Belshazzar because of his reputation as a person of integrity. He was known as one who walked with God and could interpret dreams, a person who gave wise counsel. Daniel was also respectful. He addressed the King with the utmost respect, despite King Belshazzar’s flagrant disrespect for God. You don’t have to agree with people or even like them, but each person is created and loved by God, and we must respect them as a person and for their position (parent, boss, official, etc.). Treating a person with respect will give you an opportunity to do as Daniel did…speak the truth in love. Daniel points out to Belshazzar his failure to learn from the past, his failure to honor God. It may be painful and even scary to tell someone the truth, but you may be saving their life (if they listen to you). When God presents the opportunity, it is our responsibility to say what needs to be said, but with love and concern for the person. Belshazzar didn’t take Daniel’s advice. He was killed that same night. How history might have been different had he heeded Daniel’s words. Speaking the truth in love may or may not change the course of a person’s life, but we honor God when we obey.

Questions

How can you be respectful of someone you totally disagree with? What about someone whose moral or political opinions are in complete opposition to yours? Is there anyone in your life that you don’t respect because of their attitude, actions, ideas? How can you separate respect for the person from disrespect for their actions? 

Response

We often have no respect for people we disagree with or who don’t live within our moral code. However, we cannot reach them if we don’t have a chance to speak into their lives. Consider who God wants you to reach out to. How do you build a respectful relationship so you may have that opportunity.

Prayer – Lord, reign on the throne of my life. Help me to receive the truth that others speak into my life. Help me be one who speaks the truth in love to others. May I see each person as your creation—someone you love. Give me the opportunity to make a difference in their lives for you. In Jesus Name I pray, amen.