Are You a Fan or a Follower?

Guess this riddle: What has eyes and ears, and follow sports and celebrities everywhere?

Give up?

I think you’ve guessed it. The answer is, “Fans!”

We all know what it’s like to be a fan. It might have been a Barbie doll love affair or a Back Street Boys obsession. It may even be a current addiction, such as being a fan of the Buffalo Bills, Manchester United, or Keeping Up with the Kardashians. According to dictionary.com, a fan is defined as “an enthusiastic devotee.” To be a fan means to support and admire with great passion.

Still, if that passion isn’t accompanied by genuine love, a personal relationship and commitment, then the initial zeal and intensity will eventually fade. As a result, the sports team you’re a fan of or the celebrity you adore may change. The boy who is a Spiderman fanatic as a child, will switch his interest as a teenager. He may become a Harry Potter fan. As we age and our interest change, who and what we go crazy about will change as well.

On the other hand, a follower stays committed, even with age and time. A follower not only supports and admires, but takes action–they “Do.” Dictionary.com defines a follower as someone “who imitates, copies, or takes as a model or ideal.” In addition to the passion and excitement, a follower tends to have a personal experience, since he’s actively involved. A follower studies his teacher and imitates the techniques taught until they become a natural part of his being.

Where does Jesus stand in your life? Do you only know of Him or do you know Him personally? Do you wear the cross neckless and attend church, but fail to model the character of Jesus Christ? Are you a fan who will soon forget, or a committed follower?

“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1)

“Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24)

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27)