Just A Thought

You’ve seen the reports. They bring sleeping bags and snacks so they can spend the night in line. The fact that it is raining or the thermometer registers below freezing doesn’t phase them. They gladly pay a week’s wages for a chance to sit in on a hard chair, eat unhealthy food, and scream for hours on behalf of some overpaid people they have never met. Millions of them show up to parades and lavish praise on guys who may even be playing against their team next year. They charter planes, buy expensive, team clothing, and arrange their entire life around game times and locations. A signed pigskin is more valuable to them than anything else they own. It sounds drastic, but that’s what dedicated ball-club fans do!

The commitment, intensity and clamor of fans is always a bit startling. Many impassioned fans unashamedly express extreme emotions by screaming, stomping their feet, raising their hands, exposing or painting their bodies, or even crying. This is true whether the fans are swooning at the voice of a popular vocalist, giving a standing ovation to a politician, scrambling for the autograph of a movie star or spending their life’s savings to sit at the feet of a guru.

By-in-large most of us fully embrace, or at least tolerate, this kind of behavior. At times we may chuckle that someone could get so excited over so little, but there are few who have not participated in the same kind of hero worship. In most societies such behavior is considered normal; some might go so far as to call it healthy. After all, what is wrong with acknowledging someone’s talents and accomplishments? Isn’t it only natural to admire and demonstrate approval toward those who have distinguished themselves in some manner?

I am puzzled, however, at the one exception to this rule that some, appear to take – many people express strong disapproval when they witness others who are openly expressing their feelings toward God. I find it incredible that the One who deserves the most exuberant fans must often settle for quiet, subdued acknowledgments for what He has done. Isn’t it odd that some folks express great passion in the sports arena or music hall, then hypocritically cluck their tongues at those who respond to The Most Famous Hero with any measure of emotion or public expression? That’s not what real fans do!

Considering that man has always openly and demonstratively expressed approval and adoration of other men in a public manner, doesn’t it only seem natural that people who adore God would do the same? Somehow a standing ovation seems appropriate for a “Creator.” When one is in the presence of the “King of kings” it is no wonder they feel compelled to bow down or raise their hands in praise. An encounter with the “Prince of peace” is bound to bring a profound emotional response. Shouting accolades to the one who is responsible for every good thing in one’s life seems like the proper thing to do. In fact, God, Himself, directs His people to worship Him demonstratively. Here is a solitary example of His many such sovereign mandates:


Are you a fan of God? Do you express your approval of God as passionately and unashamedly as you express your approval of your team… your band… or your favorite star? If you’ve never sung, shouted, or clapped you adoration to the Most High, you’ve missed a great privilege. Such behavior is not out of order; it is very biblical and very powerful. If you are a fan of God, don’t be afraid to act like it – that’s what fans do!