The Committed Cubs Fans

The Chicago Cubs are still alive in the World Series after last night’s 3-2 win over the Indians, to force a Game 6 back in Cleveland. The Indians lead the series 3-2, but last night the Cubs fans regained their excitement and hope after a big win at Wrigley Field. I believe this series is as much about the fans as it is about the players on the field. Throughout the Cubs' 108-year championship drought, players and managers have come and gone, but the fan base has stuck with them the entire time. I’m not talking about the bandwagon fans that are hopping on at this point, but the loyal Cubs fans who have been rooting for them their whole lives. These fans have shown up to games during losing seasons, witnessed heartbreak after heartbreak, and continued to cheer for the Cubbies when it felt like significant winning might never happen. They’ve been committed, even when rooting for the “loveable losers” was extremely difficult. There are many die-hard sports fans that demonstrate tremendous loyalty, regardless of how good their team is. Unfortunately, that same loyalty is hard to find in other areas of life. Too many people bail when things get tough, or don't follow through with their commitments, or give up when things get tough. This plays out in marriage, friendships, work, and even in our faith. We lack commitment and loyalty all too often and end up being bandwagon riders. We’ll stick with something when it's going well, but at the first sign of “losing,” we are done. As true followers of Jesus, our lives should represent deep loyalty to Him and commitment to the aspects of our lives He deems important. We need to stick even closer to the Lord when things get tough...cling to our spouse when trouble hits...and hold our ground by trusting Jesus during the losing seasons. The Bible shares this wisdom in Proverbs 3:3 (NLT): "Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart." I appreciate the fans in Chicago and respect their great loyalty. Today, let's be encouraged to believe deeply in the importance of remaining loyal to our friends and family during difficult times while being a committed follower of Jesus through it all. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, it’s difficult to stay loyal when life gets tough. Please give me the strength to stay committed through the trials by sticking with people, and more importantly, clinging tightly to You. In my own power, it’s easy to drift, but in Your power, I can remain loyal. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.