Not a Fan was recommended by a member of my Moms in Prayer group. I decided at that point I should read it and made it a part of my home library. But, I had not gotten around to reading it. Well, it then popped up as the topic of conversation with others--some had read it and others wondered if they should. That was enough to convince me it was time to crack open the book and read it for myself.
It is absolutely amazing. I had begun to get frustrated with the difference I was seeing between the message of the Bible and what is preached in our churches. No where can I find that following Christ will lead to an easy life. In fact, in Luke 9:23, Jesus says, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." This is contrary to much of what I'm hearing lately about the need to focus on yourself and make yourself happy. This does not seem to me to be what a "follower" of Christ would focus on. In fact, in the Message, Luke 9:23 & 24 reads, "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat--I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self."
This is, of course, easier read than done. It calls for "taking up your cross daily". That means every day. That means making a conscious choice to follow Christ's plan for your life every day. That meas staying in communication with Him through prayer and Bible reading. It means being a follower of Christ and His plan for your life, not just an adoring fan.
The book is definitely an eye-opener and made me assess my life and see what changes were necessary to make sure I was a true follower. It also cracked me up in places--it is definitely an easy read. Make sure you take time to read his footnotes. They are worth your time and will make you smile.
My name is Angel and I am not a fan.
Let me know what you think as you read this. Send comments. This is a great book to start a discussion going.
This is on my "to read" list. Currently reading "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. It's along the same lines it sounds like. It's VERY good but oh, so convicting so it's taking me awhile to get through it. I keep having to deal with things it's bringing up in my own life. Thanks for the input on "Not a Fan" - then again - it sounds like I'll have even more to deal with. :)
ReplyDeleteWe did a small group study on "Crazy Love" and you're right it is convicting. You'll have to check out his other books when you have time. I read "Forgotten God" and loved it and can't wait to get to "Erasing Hell."
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