Fake Fan
My husband played football from preschool through college, but being an English major, I am not as bent toward sports as him. However, a local university in our town has a competitive basketball team in which we have season tickets, so on we go. During the season we attend most of the home games and even hit an away game or two. If anyone were to observe me watching the game, they would find I invest energy into it by cheering for the our players, getting upset when I think the ref made a bad call, and even make an annoying, loud noise when the other team is shooting foul shots. (That sound usually does NOT work…😂)
Yet some Saturdays I know if I decide not to go to the scheduled basketball game later that afternoon, then I can stay in my pajamas all day long. I can read, write, or play on my computer – basically waste my day doing what *I* want. (Hey young mamas, I have two older teens; your day will come too!)
Does anyone else feel Saturdays spent this way are a success? There have been a game or two where I just. don’t. go. Because of this behavior, my kids have accused me of being a “fake fan.” Am I?
The Merriam-Webster definition of “fan” is “an enthusiastic devotee” or “an ardent admirer.” Yep, I’m a “fake fan.” I am not completely devoted or ardent.
This made me think about how sometimes we can be “fake fan” Christians. There are times we don’t feel like going to church. We may even come up with some excuses. It might be laziness or because we have sin in our lives or because someone hurt our feelings who will be there or any number of “justifications,” but ultimately, it is showing who we are devoted to and who we have ardent feelings for – ourselves.
“Let your heart therefore be perfect with the Lord our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day.”
1 Kings 8:61
Being a Christian is about our relationship with Christ. If we aren’t attending church as commanded in the Bible (Hebrews 10:25) or praying or reading our Bible, then are we “an enthusiastic devotee” of Christ? Do we go and play the part only when it fits in our schedule? If so, then we are a “fake fan.”
I’m okay with being a “fake fan” when it comes to the local basketball team, they have done nothing for me personally. However, when it comes to Jesus Christ, the One Who loved me so much and gave His life for me, I should definitely be “an ardent admirer.”
If you are not wholly devoted to God, then you are either “cold” or “lukewarm” (Revelation 3:16). Your beliefs and priorities are what shape your life. Get that fire back for the Lord by doing what a true fan would – read God’s Word, talk with Him (pray), and attend church regularly. In two words, BE FAITHFUL.
6 Comments
Kat Dornbirer
Well said👍🏻Also, I believe a true Christian “fan” will be involved in the activities of their local church. I see a lot of attenders, but sadly, the work of the church is done by only a few.
Leslie
Yes, Kat! There are several things that a true fan will do for the cause of Christ. I think all churches have the issue with all the “pew warmers” who come to a service but don’t serve. 🙁
arricahess
It’s so important to examine our hearts and ask if we are really taking up our cross!! Have you read the book “Not a Fan” by Kyle Idleman? Good stuff. Also, I’m reading Crazy Love and it hits hard with the all in game!! Great post friend.
Leslie
I have not read “Not a Fan” but love Francis Chan. I have only read “Forgotten God” but have listened to several of his sermons. I will put Idleman’s book on my to-read list. 😉 I think it’s important to examine our lives daily (something I’m still trying to make a habit) because we can easily get distracted and get caught up in the motions of service or just whatever. Our hearts can get left out of the equation if we’re not careful. 💜
Katheryn V. Little
I’m just now getting a chance to read this one— and I may love it best!! Oh my! This was all so good and so relatable and written with such clarity that it really brought we, your readers, to take stock identifiably in our own lives!
Spot on: “There are times we don’t feel like going to church. We may even come up with some excuses. It might be laziness or because we have sin in our lives or because someone hurt our feelings who will be there or any number of “justifications,” but ultimately, it is showing who we are devoted to and who we have ardent feelings for – ourselves.“ So true!!
And I loved your assessment toward the end, in regards to it being ok to be a sports “fake fan” because they’ve done nothing for us personally….
“However, when it comes to Jesus Christ, the One Who loved me so much and gave His life for me, I should definitely be “an ardent admirer.” “
Amen and amen!! Thank you for the time you spend probing your own thoughts and then sharing them with us!
Leslie
Thank you, Kathy! 💜 I thank the Lord for continuing to make me more like Him…there’s a long way to go, but He is worth it! 😍