Fanaticism gone wrong!

Perhaps you can picture the person I am speaking about - the person who is so religious that it boarders on Fanaticism. Of course, there is always a fine balance between a passionate follower of Jesus and a Fanatic. If you are struggling to discern the difference then have a quick read of this quote from Tim Keller before we carry on any further.



“Think of people you consider fanatical. They're overbearing, self-righteous, opinionated, insensitive, and harsh. Why? It's not because they are too Christian, it's because they are not Christian enough. They are fanatically zealous and courageous, but they are not fanatically humble, sensitive, loving, emphatic, forgiving, or understanding- as Christ was... What strikes us as overly fanatical is actually a failure to be fully committed to Christ and his gospel.” ― Timothy Keller, The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Scepticism


He is spot on, don't you think? Why do these kind of people turn us away from the Faith? Well, I think it is precisely because they are not following Christ in his example of humility, forgiveness, mercy and love. Wouldn't it be lovely if people accused us of being 'Grace Fanatics.' Imagine people saying things like:

"Wow, that person is so in love with Jesus that we can see they are obsessed with Grace! We want to be like that - we want to know what makes them LOVE beyond measure!"

John 3:17 -  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.


I am deeply challenged by this today and it is my prayer that I can become a Grace fanatic! What are your thoughts?


Living in grace
D3LM3