Fan or Follower

My wife and I are not avid sports fans! We do not follow any NFL or Major League teams. We cannot tell you who won last year’s Super Bowl or World Series. We cannot tell you which Quarterback plays for which team, but that all changes in March. This is the month for college basketball championship. During this month, we are transformed into enthusiastic and devoted fans. Did you know there is a vast difference between a fan and a devoted follower? Everyone knows the difference between a fan and a true follower when it comes to sports.

Jesus Christ has both fans and followers. What is the difference?

1. True followers have counted the cost. The decision to follow Jesus is the most important decision than you’ll ever make. It is not a decision to be taken lightly. That’s why Jesus said we should think it through, before we decide. Luke 14: 28 Being a fan is relatively easy because there is not much cost involved nor is there much commitment. On the very other hand, being a true follower of Christ will cost you something. There is more to being a Christian than just saying you believe in him. Jesus had a lot of people, who followed him around, but most of them were not true followers of him, they were merely fans.
2. True Followers are completely dependent on Jesus. The disciples left family, friends, and their businesses to follow Jesus. Luke 18:28 To be a true follower means totally trusting Jesus for all my needs.
3. True Followers go wherever Jesus leads. Someone once said, “If you’re leading and no one is following, then you are just out for a walk.” The fans of Jesus followed him as long as he performed miracles and did not ask for a commitment. Fans can be fickle but true followers are always faithful.

The question for all of us is, am I just a fan or a true follower of Jesus Christ?