All week I exchanged text messages with family and friends in Ky as our beloved UK Wildcats continued their run through the NCAA tournament to their third Final Four in the past four years. In doing so, the Wildcats have defeated three of the teams from last year’s Final Four. Now it’s on to Dallas and try to win a ninth national championship.

I received two messages before today’s game against Michigan from family members who included photographs (see below). They were dressed in the colors of the Big Blue Nation and were ready for the game. UK fans are not bashful. We want the world to know who we are.

It’s supposed to be the same for Christians. We are not ashamed for the world to know we follow Jesus Christ.

But there is one big difference. We are not fans. We are followers…we are disciples.

Merriam-Webster says that a fan, when used as a noun, is “an enthusiastic devotee (as of a sport or a performing art) usually as a spectator.” Christians are not spectators. We are participants. We are in the game, not sitting in the stands watching.

Next Saturday evening I’ll be sitting in front of my large screen TV watching UK play Wisconsin for the right to play in the title game Monday night. I’ll be a spectator. I’ll be a fan.

When it comes to Jesus, I’m not a “fan.” I’m His…

Follower
Disciple
Servant
Adopted son
Witness
Slave
So are you – if you’ve committed your life to Him.

We don’t sit and watch others “play the game.” We do our part.

Pastor Steve Hogg