Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus is the first book written by Kyle Idleman, teaching pastor at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY. His second book, Gods at War, previously was blogged and annotated on this site. Pastor Idleman begins Chapter 1 (“D. T. R.”) of Not a Fan with what he states is the most important question you will ever answer: “Are you a follower of Jesus?”
The author notes that because this question is so familiar, there’s a tendency to dismiss it as redundant and unnecessary. So, to make sure we properly understand the question, Pastor Idleman clarifies what he is not asking. Here are four examples:
1. Do you own three or more Bibles?
2. Is your ringtone a worship song?
3. Have you ever worn “witness wear”?
4. Do you say “Bless their heart” before speaking badly about someone?
In other words, do we understand in practice- not just in theory- what it truly means to be a follower of Jesus? Or, to quote Inigo Montoya (The Princess Bride): “I do not think that means what you think it means.”
Ultimately, whether or not we do it consciously or intentionally, we’ll all answer that question. At some point in our lives, quite possibly in the midst of great adversity, we will need to Define the Relationship. Are we “all in”, even when pain and suffering tests our resolve?
Today’s question: At this point in your desert, transitional journey, how would you define your relationship with Jesus? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Accurately defining the relationship”
Coming Monday: the new Short Meditation, “Thriving with Living Water”
