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If You've Never Been Called A Fanatic

By Bill Hall

Webster defines the word "fanatic": "A person affected by excessive enthusiasm." Its definition indicates that it is a relative term, dependent upon one's judgment as to what is a proper degree of enthusiasm in contrast with what is excessive enthusiasm. Anyone who has any knowledge at all of the world and its standards knows that to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness," (Matt. 6:33) and to "love the Lord with all one's heart, soul, and mind," (Matt. 22:37) and to "present one's body a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God" (Rom. 12:1) is to be in the eyes of the world a fanatic.

Nevertheless, before becoming too concerned, one should realize that every Bible character whom he admires—Paul, Peter, John the Baptist, Eunice, Hannah, Jesus—would be looked upon by the world as a fanatic were he or she living today. On the other hand, the world would smile approvingly on those of whom the Lord said: "So then because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of my mouth" (Rev. 3:15-16).

If you've never been called a fanatic, you might need to reconsider your spiritual condition before God.