Not a Fan. Who would have thought those three words would change my view of discipleship? And it can change your understanding of following Jesus, too. If you have prayed “The Sinner’s Prayer” but continue to live as if nothing has changed, this book will challenge you. Similarly, if you have never been offended by the words of Jesus, or if you sit in church every Sunday expecting to leave without being challenged by Him, this book will shake things up for you.
An Apology
The author apologizes for formerly preaching to make following Jesus “as appealing, comfortable, and convenient as possible.” (p.14) Why not? Heaven is always more fun than hell. Life to the full is undoubtedly an easier sell than “Take up your cross and follow me.” Jesus made it clear that we should count the cost before following him. Yet, I confess, I have sugar-coated the gospel on occasion. After reading this book, I wish I had it to do over. On the next page, he makes an unusual confession for an author. “The truth is, if you are looking for a book about following Jesus that lays out a comfortable and reassuring path, you won’t find it here.” (p.15)
Introducing Others to Jesus
What hit home for me early on was when he compared the gospel to an unmarried daughter. Even though the daughter wanted to be married, it would not work for the father, who loves her, to take out an ad in the newspaper and rent a billboard highlighting those characteristics that would make her a good catch. He might even offer gifts as further incentives. But then he concludes:
Doesn’t that cheapen who she is? Wouldn’t that make it seem that whoever came to her would be doing her a favor? I would never do that. I would set the standard high… There would be lengthy applications that must be filled out in triplicate. References would be checked and hidden cameras installed. If you want to have a relationship with her, you better be prepared to give her the best of everything you have. I don’t want to just hear you say that you love her;… I want to know that you would give your life for her. (p.14)
So, what is a fan?
The rationale for the book is contained in his unflinching assessment of churches today. “The biggest threat to the church today is fans who call themselves Christians but aren’t actually interested in following Christ.” (p.25) He then spends the rest of the book describing what Jesus expects of those who follow him.
Followers are all in with Jesus, no matter what may come. Not a fan. “And I think Jesus has a lot of fans these days. Fans who cheer for him when things are going well, but who walk away when it’s a difficult season… Fans of Jesus who know all about him, but they don’t know him.” (p. 25)
But don’t get the idea he is advocating for what we smugly call “legalism.” He opines, “When laws become more important than love, and rules take precedent over relationships, it’s a good sign that we have become fans who are aiming at the wrong target.” (p. 79) Two pages later, he proclaims, “And I want you to know, before we go any further, that Jesus came to free you from religion.” (p. 81) Later he says, “Fans may try to follow Jesus out of their own strength, but followers are empowered by the Holy Spirit.” (p. 90)
The Sobering Conclusion
Choose to be a follower, not a fan. “Bottom line is this . . . there will be a day when we stand before God, and on that day many who thought themselves followers will be identified as nothing more than fans.” (pp. 101-102) Later he quotes Donald Whitney. “If a person is wrong about being right with God, then ultimately it really doesn’t matter what he or she is right about.” Following Jesus is serious business. This book will prompt you to become a serious follower and not a fan. He concludes with a quote from Pastor David Lomas “the truest thing about you is who you are in Christ.” (p.222)
Idleman, Kyle. Not a Fan Updated and Expanded: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus (p. 14). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. asserts,