"Fan or Follower?"

 

“Fan or Follower?”

 

In a Moody Radio message on “Bold Steps” Pastor Mark Jobe asked a probing question: Am I a fan or follower of Jesus?” Around the same time in an Our Daily Bread devotional written for Pentecost Sunday (May 28, 2023) Winn Collier emphasized the power and work of the Holy Spirit in answering Jobe’s challenge. And Pastor Jay Dennis put it another way: “The Holy Spirit must be more than just a resident; He must be president in control of your life!” These penetrating thoughts gripped me and reminded me that there’s a big difference between the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (His presence in me) and His filling (His control over every area of my life). So how does this play out in my daily journey?

According to Scripture 46 things happen when one accepts Christ as his/her Savior (I wish I hadn’t lost the list I had years ago), one of which is “…that my body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in (me)….” (1 Corinthians 6:19). That’s the fan part. But what makes me a follower? When I obey the command to “…be filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:18). In other words, “Be completely controlled by the Holy Spirit.” The phrase “filled with the Holy Spirit” appears nine times in Acts and is always accompanied by courageously proclaiming God’s truth (e.g. “After they prayed…they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.”—Acts 4:31, emphasis added).

In the early days of the church there was a price to be paid by those who identified with Jesus. The same is true of many of our brothers and sisters around the world today. But Jesus had predicted this would happen (“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.”—John 15:18). And some 60 years later His friend wrote, “Do not be surprised, my (brothers and sisters), if the world hates you.” (1 John 3:13). So living in a hostile system leaves no room for mere “fans”—only true and faithful followers will be able to stand under such circumstances (see Ephesians 6:13).

So…am I a fan or follower of Christ?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan