As sports fans, we root hard for our favorite teams. Those of us who are die-hards, continue to cheer and follow our team closely during good and bad seasons…and those only interested in a team when they’re winning, are considered “fair-weather” fans.
The concept of being a “fair-weather fan” also plays out when it comes to the actual weather during a sporting event. If it rains or snows or is too hot or too cold, fair-weather fans either don’t show up at all or leave the game early.
An interesting survey done by https://offers.bet asked NFL fans who they think are most willing to brave harsh conditions to cheer on their team, and who are literally fair-weather fans.
The survey results revealed that sports fans believe Green Bay Packers fans are the toughest in the NFL, while Miami Dolphins fans rank as the weakest in the NFL.
The Bills, Patriots, Steelers, and Bears rounded out the top five toughest NFL fans, while the Cowboys, Rams, Bucs, and Cardinals fans came out as the weakest.
It’s not surprising that the Packers fans are considered the toughest when we consider their average temperature last season at Lambeau Field was 39 degrees (their coldest game was 10 degrees), yet the stadium was almost 96% full on average every game.
The survey also indicated that “If fans had to choose between rain or snow, 63% of fans say they’d go for snow. But when it comes to the temperature, more than half would rather deal with extreme heat than extreme cold. In fact, 46% of fans say they would sit through a football game above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
“Only 20% said they’d be willing to cheer on their team when the temperature was 10 degrees Fahrenheit or less. 82% say severe weather (thunderstorm, blizzard) would stop them from attending a game, while 44% say snow is enough to keep them home.”
The bottom line is that fair-weather fans aren’t willing to show up or endure tough elements. Their attendance depends on how comfortable, convenient, and safe it is to watch a game in good weather.
I’m afraid a similar attitude can seep in when it comes to our faith journeys. Oftentimes, our obedience, trust, worship, and serving depend on us having good “weather” in our lives.
We cheer or praise God when things are going the way we want them to.
We obey God when it’s convenient and show up to serve when it fits our preferences.
We follow Jesus when it’s comfortable and easy to do so.
We share our faith when it’s safe.
However, as we mature in our faith and understanding of God, we become spiritually tougher as we rely on His strength and power even more.
We move from being “fair-weather fans” who sometimes worship and obey to becoming committed followers of Jesus, who aren’t perfect but ALWAYS desire to be faithful and live according to God’s Word, regardless of the “weather” in our lives.
We choose to ALWAYS be consistent and willing to show up, rejoice, share about our faith, and serve.
The following verses help remind us of what to ALWAYS be doing (my own emphasis):
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. ALWAYS give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58; NIV).
“ALWAYS be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; NLT).
“Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, ALWAYS be ready to explain it” (1 Peter 3:15; NLT).
“Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4; NIV).
“See that no one pays back evil for evil, but ALWAYS try to do good to each other and to all people” (1 Thessalonians 5:15; NLT).
So today, just as Packers fans seem to ALWAYS show up and cheer, even in the snow, let’s be followers of Jesus who with His strength and guidance ALWAYS endure the “harsh conditions” in our lives as we keep “cheering” for the One who is right there with us.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for having a fair-weather faith at times, and allowing difficulties to cause me to stop rejoicing or worshiping You. I desire to be spiritually tough and consistent in my faith. I know You are with me always and I pray I would always rely on You to endure even the harshest conditions in life. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
- What is most likely to cause you to have a fairweather faith – a lack of comfort or convenience…or is it fear, trials, or selfishness?
- What is toughest for you to ALWAYS do – worship, obey, rejoice, serve, or share your faith?
