Luke 9:23, New International Version

“Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”

Are you a follower of Jesus?

Before you rush to judgment and declare an immediate “Yes!”, just sit for a moment and really think about it. Are you a true blue, unashamed follower of Christ, or do you sometimes conveniently leave your faith at the door depending on the circumstance? Fan vs. follower—That is the question.

A good example in the Bible would be: John 6, where Jesus feeds the 5,000. He feeds this huge group of people and then, the next day they come looking for more free bread and Jesus tells them “I am the bread of life.” 

From that point on many who had been traveling with Him no longer followed Him. They turned and went home. So, there's this distinction between those who were traveling with Jesus and those who were following Jesus. In other words, those who were in it for the free bread and the inspirational teaching, and those who were saying Jesus is enough.

Being a "fan" of Jesus means admiring him, cheering from the sidelines, and wanting the benefits of His blessing without making sacrifices, whereas a "follower" is fully surrendered, obedient, and committed to a transformed life. Fans are “sorta in”, while followers are "all in". 

So what are you? A fan or a follower?

Here are key differences between being a fan and a follower and then you can decide where you fall.

First is commitment level: Fans admire Jesus from a distance, while followers, or disciples, are fully devoted and willing to make sacrifices.

Second, your obedience: Fans may agree with Jesus' teaching, but followers obey, even when it is difficult.

Thirdly, what is your relationship with Jesus like? Fans are often looking for what they can get from Jesus (e.g., healing, blessings), whereas followers seek to give their lives to Him, regardless of what they get in return.

Next, is there a lifestyle transformation? Fans may have an interest in Jesus, but followers are defined by an ongoing, deep transformation of their life.

When we become faithful followers, we allow the Holy Spirit to control our lives, and He will produce this kind of fruit in us: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23). The joy and peace that comes from being a follower of Jesus far surpasses the excitement of being a fan.

So, which are you?