More than a cheering fan

I mentioned before that one of the key things that broke free when Mystic left was judging things by outward appearance.

Strangely enough, this epiphany came clearly through a simple conversation about a professional basketball team. A friend of mine was going to a game with her extended family, and she was explaining that they had box-seats and some fun luxuries to enjoy during the game.

“Oh wow, they have box seats?” I inquired.

She paused and smiled, “Well, you know, he owns the team.”

Haha! Ah yes! I had completely forgotten who this particular relative was. He owns this professional basketball team. Yeah, so, he can probably sit wherever he wants.

The thing is, before the fast I had often been discouraged because our church congregation (or Bible study, or retreat participants, or whoever) haven’t seemed “receptive” enough. They didn’t have enough enthusiasm. They didn’t look excited. What’s wrong with these people?  Why weren’t they more demonstrative? I compared the scenario to a professional sporting event, where people are screaming and cheering and willing to make fools of themselves to cheer for their team. Why weren’t these congregants like cheering fans?! Why weren’t they willing to show some enthusiasm? Surely the most committed fans were the ones making the most noise.

Right?

The picture of my friend’s relative brought this into perspective. The truth is, No, you cannot tell the committed fans by who screams the loudest. A painted chest speaks of enthusiasm, to be sure, but it doesn’t necessarily speak of commitment. It doesn’t necessarily speak of faithfulness. It simply speaks that that person enjoys very visible displays of affection. Obviously the owner of the team has made MUCH more of a commitment to the team. He has invested deeply in the team.

He is, you might say, the biggest fan.

And he might actually be very quiet. Or not. That’s his personality. His commitment, his devotion, his faithfulness and loyalty is separate from his personality.

Certainly, our relationship with God should and will affect our emotions, anything we truly love will impact every part of our being. But as outsiders looking in, who are we to judge a person’s commitment based on the volume of their voice?

Jesus is looking for followers, not fans. 

The same crowd that shouted Hosanna! shouted Crucify Him! just a few days later. We needn’t scream our heads off, paint our chests, or worry our little heads with whether or not we or those around us are demonstrative enough. This certainly doesn’t not condone a passionless or apathetic response to Christ. Exactly the opposite! Jesus calls us to something so much greater than shouting contests. He calls us to leave our lives—everything—behind and follow Him. Only He knows the level of our commitment. Let’s invest our all, and the decibel of our devotion will be heard in heaven, by the One whose opinion matters most. 

{Thanks for reading.}