Thanks Cody Chumbley for sharing this devo with us last night going to the Ranger game: (here’s my take-away)
What is a fan? Your first thought, because it is summer, might be an object that moves air and is greatly appreciated in the hotter months. But, I’m talking about a person who is a fan. That person is enthusiastic about something—it can be anything. Last night, there were over 27,000 fans at the baseball game. But it can be a TV show, your grandkids, sports teams, a writer, a country music singer or other celebrity, a restaurant, an iPhone, a FB page, clothes brand, coffee, a program that helped your kid in school, basically anything. You probably follow the object of your admiration to get updates and see how it is progressing or if it is on sale. It is something you spend money on, spend time with, work your schedule around and promote by telling others about it—or do you?
Whether good or bad, the object of your admiration is seen as part of your character; your personality. Unless of course you are hiding it. If you keep your loyalty to a ‘thing’ a secret, maybe a little self examination should be in store to see what motivates you to hang onto your devotion. If you can’t share your enthusiasm for something because you are embarrassed, it is either a sin or you have low self-esteems.
I love coffee! I am a huge fan! I am such a fan that Stephanie gave me a necklace with a coffee cup in it. I know her from my kids school. Destiny sends me coffee posts on FB all the time. I know her from church. I get coffee gift cards from the mom’s at the pre-school I teach at. Michael, Cody and I often make coffee jokes and share our favorite brews. So, coffee kinda defines me. I love it and everyone knows it. I don’t keep it a secret. Writing also makes up my character. I am a much bigger fan of writing. Loree sends me writing articles. Several people at church have edited my work. I follow several authors who share writing tips. I go to writing conferences and take writing classes. I want to gain more and more knowledge about my passion all the time. Sometimes my head feels like it will explode because there is not enough time in the day to read all the information. I just started watching Castle because he is a writer on the hunt for a good story line and Kate Bekett is his muse. I get inspiration for everywhere.
My point to that long previous paragraph is this: I spend time with my passion. I spend money on my passion. I buy wall hangings with quotes that encourage me with my passion. I love to talk to others about writing and get them involved in their own writing. I just shared a devo written by my friend Amy who enjoys writing but just needed some encouragement to write. I am not on the sidelines; I am a participant.
How important is the object of your passion? Are you just an observer or do you get involved? Are you just on the sidelines or are you on the field or in the thick of it? If you love sports, do you also coach or referee? Do you have kids that play? Do you give advice? Do you somehow gain knowledge about the game? If you are a big fan of technology, do you share your knowledge with those of us who are technologically challenged (ME!) or are you keeping all your knowledge to yourself. Do you love fashion? Share your fashion sense with others. Give your ‘fashion’ away to someone who may not ever have the opportunity to have it when you are done with it.
Is your passion something you can share? Can you use it to help others? Will it make someone else’s day? Does the object of your admiration make a difference to others because you share it, learn about it and help others with it? You are just a fan if you keep all your enthusiasm to yourself, but you are a participant if you share it with others.
Are you a fan of Jesus Christ; sitting on the sidelines or are you are participant with Jesus to save souls with the gift and talents you have been given by God? A fan sits on the side and cheers others on. I bet about 99% of real fans (of whatever the object) would rather be out there participating instead of being the cheerleader. I bet 99% of the fans would rather be reaping a harvest from the object of their admiration instead of always shelling our dough to get the next enticing and alluring product.
Be a participant for Jesus Christ and reap a harvest of souls. Help others see Jesus by seeing your characteristics and personality. Participate for the Kingdom in the game of life because the afterlife is a long time to wish you were an active participant instead of just a seat warmer.
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