On the Sunday before Christmas, I shared a quote by Kyle Idleman taken from his book Not A Fan. I love the metaphor that he uses to speak of what is true of so many Christians. Ever since reading the statement by Idleman, his thoughts have been echoing throughout my mind. They are choice words! Grab a hold of Idleman’s quote.
“But Jesus was never interested in having fans. When he defines what kind of relationship he wants, ‘Enthusiastic Admirer’ isn’t an option. My concern is that many of our churches in America have gone from being sanctuaries to becoming stadiums. And every week all the fans come to the stadium where they cheer for Jesus but have no interest in truly following him. The biggest threat to the church today is fans who call themselves Christians but aren’t actually interested in following Christ. They want to be close enough to Jesus to get all the benefits, but not so close that it requires anything from them.”
We can be fans in many ways and yet not be completely “sold out” to him. We can be fans of His worship music, of the nuances of His Word, of the fascination of studying His Word and of uncovering those spiritual nuggets, of the satisfaction of serving in some capacity in which others are blessed while we are affirmed and of the fellowship with His people. . . and yet, in all of it, we can still not be completely “sold out.” As Idleman states, we can “want to be close enough to Jesus to get all the benefits, but not so close that it requires anything from them (us).”
This year let’s knock down any inclination in any of us to be a “fan” and embrace all that it means in being a true follower (disciple) of Christ. Let’s begin this year renewing that passion of that “first love” for the King . . . and let’s pursue His glory with a passion!