Bullets for the Battle

The Bullet of Relationship: The Right Place for Enthusiasm

My dictionary says that a fan is an enthusiastic devotee of any sport or diversion. But a fanatic is possessed by unreasonable enthusiasm, intemperate zeal or displays extravagant loyalty or frenzy. Finding the lines between a fan or a fanatic seems to be the lone privilege of only the anti or moderate religionist! I suppose any cause will always have followers in the frenzy category. But why is it that only those enthusiastic about Jesus earn the most frequent title of fanatic?

I’m sure I’m in the top ten percent of those who love the Razorbacks. I mean really love them as people. I have worked with hundreds of them over the years far beyond the superficial “hello” and “good game guys.” I hurt when we lose, but I consider myself a sane fan and not a fanatic.

There are others, however, who drive their motor homes to Fayetteville on Thursday to “get ready” for Saturday’s game! Coordinated and sometimes expensive “red outfits” cover wife and husband head to toe! Brown bags and hip flasks abound so as to add to the “spirit of the hour.” Both sides of the stadium strive to out-yell one another as leaders from the field jump and wave their arms as frenetically as possible. Spontaneous “boos” come forth from the mouths of the fans when an official errs from the truth (i.e., he made a stupid call – against us!) As regular as clock work some fan appoints himself the “preacher” of his section and rises at appropriate moments of prophetic need to scream some well-chosen expletives at our opponents or the officials. Finally, many in the congregation, excuse me, crowd, leave the game in anguish of soul over the trauma of loss.

Of course, these folk are simply athletic fans. A different breed than fanatics of the Jesus sort! We Christian fanatics seem to believe that God is more important than games! People are more important than pleasure! Love is more important than looks. Giving is more important than getting. Caring is more important than criticizing. God-enthusiasm is more important than anything else.

The law of the land seems to imply that it’s okay to be immoderately excited about the secondary (sports or whatever), but you are emotionally dysfunctional to be highly excited about what’s primary (God)! Funny world, isn’t it! This article may label me as a fanatic to some. If so, then I joyfully plead guilty. Let’s get excited about what is really significant and fantastic … Jesus Christ, the Lord!