CRAZY JOHN

Mark 1:6 “And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey...”

Crazy John…What kind of deacon Board would select John to be the preacher in their church today? His message was as rough as the clothing he wore. He preached a bold, uncompromised, simple message. “Repent, because God is arriving on the scene.” It didn’t matter to whom John was speaking, his message was always the same, “Repent!”

John never made a lot of friends but he did gain a lot of enemies and converts. Mark 1:5 “And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.” What was it about the crazy man, in the weird attire and the simple, but tough message, that pricked their hearts? Everything about him centered on his purpose and he lived right before their eyes. There was no preaching on message and living another in John’s life.

It has been said that you don’t have to live like the world to have an impact on the world. You don’t have to be like the crowd to change the crowd and you don’t have to lower yourself down to their level to lift them up to yours! I can tell you right now, that if you live like the world, they will have no respect for you or your message!

If you want to make a difference in the world, then live you life so that it lines up with Godliness. Let the world see a clear distinction in the way you live and they will listen to your message, just like they did to John. We call this living HOLY!

Be the person who doesn’t join in the gossip and the crude jokes.
Be faithful to your spouse.
Love your children enough to stand up for what is right and Godly. Exercise correction and punishment when necessary!
Be the employee who put’s in a full days work without complaining. Be the best you can be!
Be the neighbor who cares about the other neighbor. Listen to them. Love them and pray for them.
Be the Believer who refuses to take a drink in public necause it may confuse or offend those who view your life!
Respect the Sabbath and take time apart for the Lord and for your personal rest.
Be a Champion for the oppressed, bruised and crushed who live among us. Love always!
Refuse to compromise on Christ!
DO NOT SPEAK ONE MESSAGE AND LIVE ANOTHER!

What if John’s life had not lined up with the words he spoke? What if he had preached holiness and lived an immoral life? What if he preached repentance and away from the crowds he joined in with the worldly bunch and their questionable practices? If John’s life had not matched his message, they would never have listened to him!

Is there anything in your life that does not line of with God’s Word and Ways? If you live a Holy and Godly life, they will flock to you for help and meaning in life! Jesus said that we “… are the light of the world.” Matthew 5:14

To call yourself a child of God is one thing. To be called a child of God by those who are watching our lives is another thing altogether! What are they secretly saying about you?