“The one who says, I have come to know Him, and yet doesn’t keep His commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” 1 John 2:4
How do we recognize a Cardinal fan? I mean, a true St. Louis Cardinal fan. It might be the hat or shirt they wear. That could be a sign. Or the sticker on their car. But even those people could be only nominal fans, not truly committed. A true fan will know if the team is winning or losing! They will tell you about the latest game with excitement. You will hear stories of the latest plays, scores, and their recent experience at the ballpark. There is no guessing about their fanhood! It’s obvious. They faithfully attend games, watch games on TV or listen to games on radio. They know the team stats and their joy about baseball is unmistakable.
Unfortunately, some believe wearing a team shirt or putting a sticker on the bumper makes them a fan. I was made keenly aware of this last summer. Somone mistook me for a fan because I was wearing a red St. Louis Cardinal shirt someone gave me. It was late in the season, and I had never listened to a game and had no clue about how their season was going! But I looked good! I wasn’t trying to be a fan or to even look like one. But some do.
This happens in the spiritual life too. Some seem to think wearing a Christian shirt, putting a JOYFM sticker in a car window is a demonstration of their faith. James had something to say about things like that:
“Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving themselves.” James 1:19
“If anyone thinks he is religious without controlling his tongue, his religion is useless, and he deceives himself.” James 1:26
If a devoted sports fan is recognized by his faithfulness to his team exemplified by attending games, daily checking standings, and joyfully sharing their experiences, what does a devoted Christian look like?
Are we winning or losing?
Blessed by you… Bro. Sherman
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