The journal. (Caldwell, Ohio) 1934-1961, 1958-07-31
0 n eiie-
The Christian-Fan or Fanatic?


but | am no fanatic!" Just how
much he intended to say by these
words we cannot say, but we be-
lieve that it would be right to
infer that he meant that. he was a
Christian, but that he did not
take it seriously. 1t is alright to
be a Christian, but don't let it
interfere with anything that you
might want to do. With such a
philosophy, such a person labels
the one who would live an earn
est, sincere Christian life as a
fanatic.
A fanatic is one who is mad,
crazy, unbalanced; he is exces-
sively enthusiastic, unreasonable,
Jealous. Yet one who becomes
very interested in a sport, a hob
by or a person is recognized as
a fan. That is, an enthusiastic
devotee, an ardent admirer. Yet,
the fan many times spends hours
pursuing hobby which should
be given to something else more
important. Many times the fan
will spend money for his parti-
cular interest and in so doing de-
prive his family of necessities or
let his bills go unpaid. He is not
considered as being excessively
enthusiastic, unreasonable or
crazy. He is a fan!
Why should not the Christian
live earnestly and sincerely that
| which he processes to be? He has
experienced the power of the
gospel of Christ in his life; he
knows the JOY of salvation and
the peace of heart and mind that
comes to one who trusts God for
everyday guidance and necessi-
ties.
Why should not the Christian
give first place in his life to
Jesus Christ. That is the mean
ing of the word Christian" He
is a follower, worshipper Of
Christ. Christ is his Lord.
We do not think one to be men
tally unbalanced, because he en-
Enthusiastically relates a movie
that he has seen. We do not think
one odd who gets all wrapped up
in baseball, basketball, football
or any other sport. He comes to
know all of the outstanding play
ers. He knows all of the scores
He would rather watch a game
than eat.
The Christian has had an ex-
| perience with God that has revo-
lutioniZed his life. Before this ex-
| perience he was not concerned
about Gods will for his life. He
was slave to his passions and
appetiteS. He lived for self Con-
sequently, he was never really
satisfied. In Christ he, has learn
ed to put Gods will first. He has
found victory over that which
held him in bondage His life is
full and purposeful. Why should
Mt he talk about this experience?
Why shouldn't he share it with
others?
The Christian who is earnest
and means business, not being
hypocritical, desires to follow
Gods rule for his life: whether
therefore ye eat, or drink, or
whatsoever ye do, do all to the
glory of God" q Corinthians 10:
3D. "Ye shall be witnesses un-
OF Me - (Acts l:8). Study
| diligently to show thyself ap-
proved unto God :" II Timo-
thy 2:l5).
Someone has said that if our
| (Christian) way of life is worth
having, it should be shared If
it is not worth sharing, it should
be changed for something better.
Christians do take their way
of living seriously, but they are
not fanatics. They are enthusi-
astically devoted to Jesus Christ.
They are ardent followers of
Him. They have experienced that
which is satisfying, which has
| given them solid foundation on
which to build, which has given
them real joy, and they want to
| share it with others.
Roy E. Wikander