Most of us saw the Rosebowl (or "Roseblow") game on New Year's Day, right? One thing that my family talked about as we cringed on behalf of our Hawkeyes was how quickly many of the fans were to jump off the bandwagon and disown a team they had previously been so proud of, once they saw how badly the game was going. I saw countless Facebook posts defaming the team and I know that a lot of people quit watching the game after the first half went so horribly for us.
The next day I saw a news piece interviewing Rosebowl attendees from Iowa, asking the fans, "What went wrong in this game?" Various answers sprung forth trying to put words to the horrific defeat by Stanford University. Throughout the news piece I noticed that none of the people who were interviewed felt that their trip to California was a waste of time. They remained faithful to their Hawkeyes.
I think we all know the term "Fair-Weather Fan," which insinuates that when games are being won, records are being made, etc., we are quick to hop on board and become a fan, but once the "weather" turns for the worse, we are just as quick to jump ship. The first group of people I mentioned would be considered Fair-Weather Fans, while the latter example proved to be faithful fans. I admit that I have fallen into the Fair-Weather category more than once before.
Not to be cliche, but this idea of being a Fair-Weather Fan can easily be connected to our devotion to our churches or even to Jesus. When we love a pastor, a worship leader, or a staff at a church, it is easy to be devoted fully, without hesitation. But as soon as something changes within the structure of the church, we often start to question whether or not we want to be associated with it anymore. Now, don't get me wrong, sometimes there are significant changes or struggles in a church that may cause you to leave. I get that.
But think also about our walk with the Lord. When life is going smoothly, we have enough money in our bank account, and we have a good support system among family and friends, we are usually quick to praise God. However, as soon as the trials come and the blessings cease, questions and doubts begin to flood our heart and mind.
Jesus has called us to a radical and even scandalous life when we chose to follow Him. When He called His disciples to follow Him, He didn't merely say, "say a prayer and follow me," or "follow me and everything will be peachy," but rather He said things like, "deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me" (Matt.16:24), "sell all your possessions and follow me" (Matt. 19:21), and "don't attend your father's funeral but follow me" (Luke 9:60). He interrupted people while they were working and told them to quit their job to follow Him, without even saying goodbye to their families. He told people that when they follow Him, they may be homeless and they may even die for their faith. He asked people to follow Him without any hesitation.
I don't know about you, but my life doesn't look that radical. I like to be comfortable and the cost that Jesus talks about to follow Him doesn't appeal much to me. I'm fine following Him when I'm also allowed to have financial security, good health, and a place to lay my head at night. I am a Fair Weather Follower of Jesus and that is not okay with me.
I don't know where you are in your walk with Jesus, but I encourage you to examine yourself in this moment and ask the Lord what you can do to live the life that HE wants you to live, rather than the one YOU want to live. Let's be on fire, rather than lukewarm. Let's abandon our Fair-Weather tendencies, because Jesus also tells us that it is WORTH IT to live completely abandoned and surrendered to Him.
Will you join me in being radially committed to the only One worth following?
