I am reading the book Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman. I finally broke down and bought the book after I heard several people talking about how awesome the book was. They weren’t wrong.

The book talks about how most people who claim to be committed followers of Jesus are really fair-weather fans. The difference between the two goes something like this (according to the book):

Fans are all about rules. Their faith is spelled ‘D-O’ and involves a lot of works and rituals and traditions. Followers are all about Jesus and not just knowing more about Him, but knowing Him more. They spell their faith ‘D-O-N-E’ and trust in what Jesus has already done for them on the cross.

Fans never deal with conflict. They either avoid the topic and pretend nothing’s wrong, avoid the person, or attack the person instead of the issue. Followers are learning to speak the truth in love and help restore the other to a right standing with God (or to repent themselves if they are in the wrong) and seek to rebuild the relationship.

Fans watch and criticize the methods of others, but never get involved or make sacrifices beyond what is convenient. Followers are willing to give of their time, their talent, their treasures, and if need be, their lives, for Christ on a daily basis.

Fans wear masks and pretend everything is fine. Fans never show weakness and always try to act stronger than they really are. Followers are not only aware of their weaknesses, but they boast in them, because that’s where God’s strength and power work best. Followers are authentic, if not all the time, then most of the time. What you see is who they are, even when no one is around.

I think if I were to place myself right now, I’d be more of a fan than a follower. I don’t really get my hands dirty and I have too much of a critical spirit. I am too worried about my own reputation and convenience. But by the grace of God, I am moving toward being a follower.

The good news is that you don’t have to be perfect or get it all right on day one. You won’t turn from fan to follower overnight. But if you say to Jesus, “I’m tired of playing games with you and wearing a mask and living by rules and religion. I need You to fill me and change me from the inside out. Be in me what I can’t be for myself. Empower me to not just believe in You, but to follow You wherever You lead. Amen.”