A recent survey determined which NFL fan base is the most loyal to their team. Based on their questioning, the survey concluded that the Eagles, Packers, and Chiefs have the most faithful fans. In another study, the New England Patriots were the most loyal fans based on emotion, social media presence, and stadium attendance. Despite recent struggles, the New York Giants continue to sell out every home game while the Buffalo Bills continue to rank high as a fan base with unwavering support. The Cleveland Browns fans are also extremely dedicated and committed, regardless of how their team performs on the field. Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks home crowd is known as the “12th Man” and their home-field advantage is due to their ongoing passion and enthusiasm. Of course, we know that Steelers and Cowboys fans are loyal, too, with large fan bases all over the country. And we can’t forget about Jets and Lions fans who have remained faithful through a long history of losing. There’s no denying that there are loyal fans across the NFL, but unfortunately, some fan bases tend to be described as fair weather and only jump on the bandwagon during winning seasons. But, the most loyal fan bases are the ones that keep showing up even when they don’t like the moves the front office makes, continue to represent their team during losing seasons, and cheer even when it seems there isn’t much to celebrate. I’m sure we’re all thinking about our sports fandom loyalty and our favorite team’s fan base, but more importantly, let’s be challenged today to consider how faithful and loyal we are to God. Do we remain committed and devoted even during seasons of suffering? Do we keep showing up for church, our small group, and personal time with the Lord when we don’t like the “moves” God makes in our lives? Do we represent Christ and proudly “wear our colors” no matter what season we’re in and regardless of who we’re around? Do we have unwavering support for God’s mission and purpose for our lives? Do we continue to “cheer” or instead worship and praise God for who He is, even when we don’t want to celebrate our current circumstances? Psalm 34:1-3 (NLT) says, “I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak His praises. I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt His name together.” Just like sports fans, there are times when it’s hard to cheer and be dedicated and loyal, but that’s when we have the opportunity to reveal how deep our devotion, enthusiasm, and passion for God truly is. We don’t want to be “fair weather” followers of Jesus and only jump on the “bandwagon” when it’s convenient and our circumstances are “winning,” but rather always be faithful to the One who never fails. We can remain faithful as we continue to trust in Jesus, cling to His faithfulness, and live Spirit-filled lives. Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV) tells us, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, FAITHFULNESS, gentleness, self-control…” (emphasis added). Today, let’s not only be encouraged to be like the most loyal and devoted sports fans, but even better, let’s be like the early followers of Jesus who “...were continually and faithfully devoting themselves to the instruction of the apostles, and to fellowship, to eating meals together and to prayers” (Acts 2:42; AMP). I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for being faithful even when I am not. Thank you for Your grace and kindness. Please help me grow in my devotion and faithfulness to You and remain loyal and committed. You are always worthy of my worship and praise. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Comments