From Fan to Follower

"If any man would come after me, he must deny himself, take us his cross daily and follow me." 
Luke 9:23 NIV

I'm excited about an upcoming sermon series at KCC called "Not a Fan." It's based on a book by the same name by Kyle Idleman, teaching pastor at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky. If you want to get a head start and read the book, pick up a copy of "Not a Fan" in the church lobby. The series will begin on October 7th and run 6 weeks with some special speakers weighing in on the subject matter. 

When I first heard the title, I was confused. Being a "fan" of a sport, person, or place is a good thing, isn't it? Isn't the goal of every high school, college, and professional sports program to put as many fans in the stands as possible? Aren't "fans" the crazy people who tailgate prior to the game, paint their faces team colors, and scream their lungs out cheering on their favorite team? What boldness, pride, and commitment they possess! 

Yet, I knew I was missing something in just being a "fan." My initial question was: "If I'm not called to be a fan, what am I called to be?" The answer is: a follower. A completely committed follower. Which is quite a contrast from a fan. To better understand it, we might want to say, a player. The contrast between a fan and a player makes the title clearer. 

Instead of sitting in the stands, we need to be on the field. Instead of just yelling at the refs, we need to be calling the plays. Instead of just painting our faces, we need to be wearing the uniform. Instead of just coming to the game, we need to be at the practice. Instead of just watching once a week, we need to be involved every day.

Through the upcoming series, "Not a Fan," you will be called to take Him seriously when he says "deny yourself," learning what it means to "take up your cross," and being challenged to become a fully committed follower of Jesus Christ. You won't want to miss it!