There are sports fans and then there are SPORTS FANS!
Sports fans mark their calendars, buy the jerseys and may even paint their faces and have season tickets. Sports fans show up in the stadium and they enjoy the crowd, they cheer for their team and high-five their friends. They might even host a game day at their home. They look the part.
Then, there are SPORTS FANS. They look very similar to sports fans however upon further inpection it is clear that something is different. There is a deeper level of involvement.
Not only do they look the part… their passion takes it to another level. They know the names of the players on the team. They know their history; childhood, high-school, college, special moves, their victories, their defeats, their previous teams. And not only do they know the players…they know the history of the team itself. They know the coach; the coaches history. They know the game and the history of the game. See, they’re more deeply involved. This is personal to them. They love it!
When we see them, they seem the same. But, once a SPORTS FAN starts talking in depth to a sports fan…it is clear that they aren’t so similar afterall. The passion isn’t there…the love isn’t there. The sports fan has the look but the SPORTS FAN has the heart.
I think we have a similar situation in the Body of Christ, the church. We have church goers and we have followers of Christ. At first glance they look very similar. But, upon further inspection… there is something different. And to the human eye and understanding it may not be clear which is which; but God knows. *And let me just say…it serves us not to merely be showing up. God desires a deeper connection. He is looking into our hearts and He can see if you are just showing up, and if you are invested.
Now, I am not pointing the finger at anyone. Clearly, I don’t have a heaven or a hell to put you in and it is certainly not my job to be the judge of your heart.
I am writing this to encourage you to examine yourself. To take a moment in the privacy of your own space, your own life, and your own convictions and ask, “Am I a fan or a FAN?… Am I a church-goer or am I a follower of Christ? Does God have my heart?”
If you want God to have your heart and have made the choice today to take a step to start a relationship with Christ, pray this prayer:
Dear God,
Thank You for loving me and for sending your Son Jesus so that I can be made right before you. I accept the free gift of salvation. Forgive me of my sins. James 4:8 says that if I come close to You, You will come close to me. So, I give my heart to You and I desire a closer relationship with You.
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. (Psalms 143:10)
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Well, what now??
Make time to read the Word of God, the Bible, and ask God for understanding. Read different translations to compare the text (NIV, NLT, ESV, AMP etc).
Spend time each day talking with God (prayer)…and don’t forget to be quiet and listen for Him to speak to your spirit.
Super important >>Give yourself a little grace! You won’t be perfect and you’ll take some mis-steps; we all do. But, talk to God about it and ask for forgivenesss.
Oh, and remember – don’t give up, the journey is just beginning!
I pray you had a thought today. Be encouraged brothers and sisters!
KellyeMarie
kellyemarie.com 