If you have any knowledge at all of human nature, you know that those who only admire the truth will, when danger appears, become traitors. The admirer is infatuated with the false security of greatness; but if there is any inconvenience or trouble, he pulls back. Admiring the truth, instead of following it, is just as dubious a fire as the fire of erotic love, which at the turn of the hand can be changed into exactly the opposite—to hate, jealousy, and revenge. Christ, however, never asked for admirers, worshipers, or adherents. He consistently spoke of "followers" and "disciples."
—Søren Kierkegaard, Danish philosopher and theologian (1813–1855)
It seems like these days that there are many "admirers" - of spirituality, of religion, and even of Christianity, in particular. At the same time, though, it appears that fewer and fewer people want actually to be followers, i.e., persons who have to "do" something with their spirituality.
For Christians - the word itself implies being a follower - you cannot separate the two. If someone is really a Christian (literally a little Christ) and not just giving lip-service to some amorphous, unaccountable spirituality then their lifestyle will look increasingly like Jesus Himself. To be a Christian is to follow in Jesus' footsteps. In fact, one of the chief complaints that skeptics make of Christians is that they may be good admirers of Jesus but seldom follow Him.
It stands to reason, then, as Kirkegaard claims, that admirers are quick to jump ship when the going gets tough. Jesus referred to folks like this as those in whom the seed of God's kingdom is planted in rocky or thorny soil - it soon withers or gets choked out.
On the other hand, a follower has left all behind in order to follow. Like Cortes burning the ships, the one who would be a follower forsakes all options of turning back.
What do you think? Are the skeptics justified in their critique? Are you more of an admirer or a follower? If you're more of an admirer, what would it take for you to become a follower?
2 comments :
I want to believe that I am a true christian. A follower for God, I dont run lukewarm when it comes to God. Even though we don't have a church right now I continue to listen to your teachings.
Anita - that's great! Don't give up on finding a good church home in your new location. Somewhere in your area is a fellowship of believers who really want to be followers of Jesus and will walk alongside you and your family to help you.
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