Fan Or Follower
This past Sunday during the Super Bowl, millions of fans sported their favorite team's jerseys and gathered around TV's to watch the big game. While they may have looked the part in their team gear, they weren't actually on the field making plays. They were spectators, not participants.
The reality is, many of us approach our relationship with Jesus the same way. We wear crosses around our necks, know all the right worship songs, and can quote our favorite Bible verses. But are we actually in the game, or are we just watching from the sidelines?
Jesus never sought fans, He called followers. When He walked the earth, He didn't say "Come admire me" or "Come be my fan." He said, "Follow me." And that call always came with a cost. For Peter and Andrew, it meant leaving their family business. For Matthew, it meant walking away from his career as a tax collector. For the rich young ruler, it meant giving up his wealth.
The early believers in Antioch weren't called Christians because they knew about Jesus – they were called Christians because they gave up everything to follow Him. Their whole lives looked so much like Jesus that people in their city gave them His name. They weren't known for their religious knowledge; they were known by their radical following. Think about that. Would people in your community give you the name of Jesus Christ based completely on how you live?
Here's what separates fans from followers...
A fan believes in Jesus. A follower follows Jesus, even when it's costly.
A fan knows about Jesus. A follower knows Jesus personally.
A fan is swayed by culture. A follower is anchored in Jesus.
A fan goes to the Bible in crisis. A follower hungers for God's Word every day.
A fan adds Jesus to their schedule. A follower builds their life around Jesus.
A fan pursues Jesus' hand (what He can do for them). A follower pursues Jesus' heart (who He is).
Following Jesus isn't about being a better person or checking off religious boxes. It's about being with Jesus until you become like Jesus. It's not about fitting Jesus into our lives, it's about fitting our lives into His mission.
There's no such thing as a part-time Super Bowl champion. And there's no such thing as a part-time follower of Jesus.
The invitation is clear. The stakes are eternal. Will you stay in the stands as a fan, or will you step onto the field as a follower?
Because Jesus isn't seeking fans. He's calling followers.
Keep looking up,
Pastor Alan Hannah
Pastor Alan is the lead pastor of Allegheny Center Alliance Church. To find out more about ACAC, go here.
