So, I originally wasn't going to watch this video. I absolutely love Jefferson and Alyssa Bethke! I am subscribed to their YouTube channel however the title of their latest video deflected most of my attention. I felt like it was a topic that had been played out. As a Christian woman I had heard it a thousand times so I didn't really think I needed a 1,001!. However, I am so very glad I gave it a chance. They touch on this idea of being a fan versus a follower.
Are you a fan of Jesus? Or are you a follower of Jesus?
This concept really struck a chord with me! After giving it some thought I realized that most of my Christian life, including lately, I have functioned as a fan of Jesus. I love the Lord. I truly do. I enjoy church. I listen to Christian music. I attempt to dress fairly modest. But I realized I wasn't truly following the Lord.
I've posted in blogs before about my past relationships and how I have struggled with idolizing romance of the flesh over a romance with God. This fan vs. follower concept really came in to play there. Because I was just a fan of Christ I was allowing myself to settle for relationships with other "fans". Men who called themselves Christians (and who I believe truly are Christians). But who were not obedient enough to listen to the Lord and to lead me... Because I was a fan and not a follower, I was settling for things that were not in Gods will and I was being a stumbling block for those men that I would settle with. Minor side note - Men, I understand you have been charged with a heavy responsibility in being the head. However, do not neglect this task in dating. Many men feel it is not their job to lead a woman until she is his wife. While it is true that you should have an individual relationship with the Lord, a woman who is dating you needs to see that you are capable of leading her.
Oh how thankful I am that God finally revealed this to my stubborn eyes. This doesn't just apply to dating though. It applies to all aspects of our walk with the Lord. I think being a follower of Jesus requires so much more. It requires a true love and passion for Kingdom work. It's more then a lifestyle. It's a heart change. Following Jesus means laying down everything and trusting in His plan and purpose for our lives. I have had many of my own plans crumble to pieces. But the Lords plans always prevail.
Take a moment to watch this video. Then spend some time reflecting on your life and your relationship with God. Are you truly following the Lord? Or are you just another groupie?
Are you a fan of Jesus? Or are you a follower of Jesus?
This concept really struck a chord with me! After giving it some thought I realized that most of my Christian life, including lately, I have functioned as a fan of Jesus. I love the Lord. I truly do. I enjoy church. I listen to Christian music. I attempt to dress fairly modest. But I realized I wasn't truly following the Lord.
I've posted in blogs before about my past relationships and how I have struggled with idolizing romance of the flesh over a romance with God. This fan vs. follower concept really came in to play there. Because I was just a fan of Christ I was allowing myself to settle for relationships with other "fans". Men who called themselves Christians (and who I believe truly are Christians). But who were not obedient enough to listen to the Lord and to lead me... Because I was a fan and not a follower, I was settling for things that were not in Gods will and I was being a stumbling block for those men that I would settle with. Minor side note - Men, I understand you have been charged with a heavy responsibility in being the head. However, do not neglect this task in dating. Many men feel it is not their job to lead a woman until she is his wife. While it is true that you should have an individual relationship with the Lord, a woman who is dating you needs to see that you are capable of leading her.
Oh how thankful I am that God finally revealed this to my stubborn eyes. This doesn't just apply to dating though. It applies to all aspects of our walk with the Lord. I think being a follower of Jesus requires so much more. It requires a true love and passion for Kingdom work. It's more then a lifestyle. It's a heart change. Following Jesus means laying down everything and trusting in His plan and purpose for our lives. I have had many of my own plans crumble to pieces. But the Lords plans always prevail.
Take a moment to watch this video. Then spend some time reflecting on your life and your relationship with God. Are you truly following the Lord? Or are you just another groupie?