"Fan or Follower"

April 28, 2025 | By Chuck

Are you a fan or follower? I’m a fan of golf, football, and all things Arkansas Razorbacks. I’m even a fan of certain individual athletes, singers, and actors. But I am not a fan of Jesus. I am a follower of Jesus. I believe there is a difference in being a fan or follower of Jesus.

            Fans are not active participants; they sit on the sidelines and watch. Fans are not always loyal. Fans are locked in for a few hours a week and even then sometimes lose interest and change teams. Jesus never called us to be his fans. Jesus called us to follow Him. “And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.' ” (Luke 9:23-24)

            A follower of Jesus is so committed that he forgets about himself. A follower is actively pursuing a relationship with Jesus daily through prayer and reading His word. A follower of Jesus is a servant of all and not simply watching from the sidelines. A true follower of Jesus puts Him first and follows Him no matter what life brings. Fans come and go; followers always follow Jesus no matter what. Jesus said, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:26) Are you a fan or follower?