Thursday, December 11, 2008

Of what are you a FAN?

The term “fan” is something I have been thinking about lately. Since I am from the southwestern part of Ohio I am a fan of the Cincinnati Reds, and the Cincinnati Bengals.
If you are a sports fan, no matter where you live in this great country you have probably heard of the struggles the fans are going through with our professional teams. Losing seasons seem to breed losing seasons.

Since I am an interested party only and do not go the games, my opinion is just that, another opinion about baseball and football in Cincinnati, Ohio. On the other hand I am a fan in good standing of the Church of Jesus Christ here in Beavercreek, Ohio. I go to the services and invest my money and time in it.

The other day I ran into a friend at the bank. He is a minister of a small church in another town. Since we had not seen each other for some time, I asked if he was still at the same church, He was, and expanding into a larger area of the same building. I was glad to hear that things were going well for the church. Then he asked me the question that brought up this thought process. Are you still at the Vineyard in Beavercreek? My answer jumped out of my mouth and surprised me, of course the answer was yes I am still there, “and I love it”.

Is it right to think of my relationship to my local church as being a fan? Were the disciples' fans of Jesus? Were Abraham, Issac, and Jacob, fans of God?

It seems to me that, as Christians we are told not to get excited, stay even-keel in your actions, don’t be flashy in any expression of your faith. In my mind those stipulations would ensure that Christians would not be called fans. Maybe I am speaking a little strong with the words “told not to get excited”, could it be that we just catch that idea in our Christian life and assume that is the way to live? Or do we easily live a life quietly, under the radar, so we don’t make waves in our worldly relationships?

The apostle Paul says to try to the best of your ability to get along with everyone. That statement seems to make the case that there will be some people that you cannot get along with. As a Christian, I choose to worship my God by telling people about Him, by showing people what He has done in my life, and if need be wear the scares of being a Christian. That doesn’t sound much different than fans of sports teams.

To keep this short and answer my own question, I will be a fan of Jesus because He chose to pay the ultimate sacrifice for me. Also, important is that I will always be a fan of the Church He died for.

Today I am a fan of the local Church here in Beavercreek, Ohio. Like a sports team fan, this fan will gather together and enjoy the company of others, stick together thru the good and the bad, wear the colors, and on occasion tailgate.

Jim

No comments: