“It’s not the will to win that matters. It’s the will to prepare to win that matters.” – Paul “Bear” Bryant..

Meaning of fan an enthusiastic devotee (as of a sport or a performing art) usually as a spectator. 2: an ardent admirer or enthusiast (as of a celebrity or a pursuit) science-fiction fan.

The word fan is in the bible approximately 8 times. However, it seems to be utilized differently than where this word seems to be taking me today.

When I think of a fan I see an image of an over-zealous person that can behave over the top when they get excited about, an entertainer, sporting event or a popular person or for that matter a subject that they have a passion and love for. I find this display of excitement amazing. I love seeing the passion the love for something that can bring joy to our lives.

However, it is very perplexing to me how this excitement and passion does not seem to spill over when we speak of God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit?? Is it because as Christians we call ourselves followers instead of fans? I would like to explore the differences. I do believe a fan can buy in on the surface. They can even study facts, and truly understand the subject matter and they even began to think they know this person. But it truly is on a superficial level. This person can even become an “idol” some may even seem to worship this person… I have witnessed this at concerts full of young teens that clamor to get close to the entertainer. Some scream. Some cry. Some jump up and down… and shout accolades.

What is the attraction? At the end of the day. This person knows nothing about you. They don’t know your name. They have not been there for you to see your victories and they have not held you in your darkest hour? I wholeheartedly believe they would not give up their life for you?? Sadly, I believe many would follow their “idol” if they were given the chance. There is a place in our lives for our entertainment... But possibly we have lost our real purpose.

Where is our value system, has it eroded? This erosion has always been man’s downfall. “Idols” and their fans are not a new thing. They have been around since the beginning of time. But history has proven that they come and go like the days on a calendar.

So, what makes a follower different. I am not sure about you. But for me to follow I must trust. I must get to know them. I must spend many hours getting to know their values. They must know me by name. An admiration, mutual love, and respect will be shared. And relationships will be built.

To summarize a fan seems to be superficial and one-sided. A follower has more depth and definitely has more stake and heart in the game.

So when we speak of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, why do we not show this over-the-top LOVE and excitement. Many are comfortable showing these emotions at an event. But sit on the sidelines on the most important game of their lives. Why are we afraid of what others may think? I do believe it's time… Time to wake up… the coin is being flipped. Pick a side…. A shallow existence in a fleeting moment of time of an “idol … Or a life for eternity that is much richer than we even deserve?? Who are you a fan or a follower?? Jesus is calling us by name and sharing His heart. He is asking us to follow Him. Trust Him. And be introduced to a love that is beyond this world.

It’s Him. It’s always HIM!!

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12

“Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do. You shall not add to it or take from it. “If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or wonder that he tells you comes to pass, and if he says, ‘Let us go after other gods,’ which you have not known, ‘and let us serve them,’ you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams. For the Lord your God is testing you, to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear him and keep his commandments and obey his voice, and you shall serve him and hold fast to him. Deuteronomy 12:32-13:18 ESV

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

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