More Than a Fan

“For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” I Peter 2:21

I’m a sports fan. I’m a baseball fan, a basketball fan, a football fan. I’ve always loved watching sports, following them, reading statistics and cheering for my favorite teams and players. My favorite of all is baseball, specifically the Red Sox. From Carl Yazstremski and Jim Rice to Mookie Betts and Dustin Pedroia, I am a fan.

There are lots of people in the world to be a fan of–certainly more than just sports stars. Some of the most admired people of the 20th century spent their lives serving others–Billy Graham, Nelson Mandela, Mother Theresa, Winston Churchill. Yet, while many are “fans” of these distinguished folks, not many seem to emulate them. We can easily do the same with Jesus Christ. Thirteen years ago, Dan Kimball wrote a book entitled, “They Like Jesus, But Not the Church,” detailing the cultural phenomenon of Jesus fans. Go on Amazon sometime. You can buy “Jesus wigs,” “Jesus sandals,” even “Jesus bobbleheads.” Lots of people want to be Jesus fans, without being Jesus followers.

How about you? Are you a fan or a follower of Jesus Christ? Do you talk a lot about your admiration of Him, your love for Him? That’s great–but how do you live your life? Peter clearly states Jesus left us an example so that we might not just admire Him, but follow Him. What was His example? If we read further in this passage, we see that He lived a life of godliness, submission and sacrifice. Believer–don’t just talk about Jesus, model your life after His. Be more than just a fan.

-Pastor Mike