Are you a fan or a follower?

Today, the world is defining what it means to be a Christian in so many interesting ways. The disturbing part however is that we have created more fans for our Lord Jesus, than followers.

I guess you know who fans are. They sit with the cheer dancers, singing and jubilating as long as you keep winning. I have heard people say, “Chelsea for life” in one season and “Man-U for life” the next season. Fans really don’t care about the things you do to get to the top, all they want is for you to shine for them.

Does our Lord Jesus want us to be His fans? I would say, He wants His followers to be His fans. Followers stick around long after the cheering is over. They care about your interests beyond the pitch. Followers try to be as disciplined at their Master.

In Matthew 8:19-20, after all the astounding miracles done by Jesus, a young man who I believe was a fan made the bold declaration to follow Him. The Master was quick to give him the true picture- there are no mansions, no SUVs, body guards attached to this SuperMan! After that eye-opener, there was no other record of that man following Jesus.

Then a certain scribe came and said to Him, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” 

However, to us who have decided to follow Him, He says “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). He didn’t try to candy-coat the reality of following Him just so that His band stand will be filled. He wanted followers and not just fans.

If we are Christians, then we can’t just be fans. Fans have no business with self-denial. They will not give up anything of value for the Lord. Fans are ashamed of the Cross but celebrate its glory.

Followers are disciples of Jesus. That’s the life we are called to. We are called to represent the Master.

A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher. Luke 6:40.

Dear friend, train to be like the Master!