ALLEGIANCE - even when you seem crazy

2 Corinthians 5:11-15 | Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too. Are we commending ourselves to you again? No, we are giving you a reason to be proud of us, so you can answer those who brag about having a spectacular ministry rather than having a sincere heart. If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.

• As citizens of Heaven, what responsibility do we have to the Lord? What are we to persuade others of?

• At times, followers of God may seem crazy to non-believers. Why? Have you ever experienced this? When?

• If we live for ourselves, we might avoid seeming crazy or different to avoid embarrassment. Do you ever hide your faith or try to fit in? In those moments, where is your allegiance?

• What does living for Christ look like? Does your description describe your own life? In what ways?