Have you ever known someone to change direction with the change of the wind? You know, someone who acts one way one day because it bests suits his or her purpose in that circumstance and then completely changes when the circumstance changes. The best example of that may be the infamous “fair-weather fan,” the one that roots for a team when it is winning but not when it is losing.

I’m a pretty big Falcons fan. Not as big as some, but big enough to have my house key coated with the team colors and logo. I became a fan in 1998 while I was teaching elementary students in Valdosta, GA the “Dirty Bird” dance for an end of the year chorus concert. It just so happens, this was also the year the Falcons miraculously made it to the Super Bowl only to be slaughtered by John Elway’s retirement celebration. The difference between me and a “fair-weather fan” is that I was converted, became a believer, and did not waver in my devotion to the team even they lost so many games because their receivers couldn’t catch the football!!!

Saul, on the other hand, had devotion to himself and nothing else making him a great example of a “fair-weather fan.” In 1 Samuel 15, we see a great depiction of his character. When everything ran smoothly, Saul didn’t think he needed God. When his approval ratings were up with the people of Israel, he didn’t think he needed God. But when the tides changed, he came running to Samuel, a devoted fan of God who had not wavered even when it seemed to make sense to, and asked him to join him back at his place and watch a little of the God-game and root for the God-team (or worship God).

The problem was, Samuel knew Saul didn’t mean it. Even if he did go back and sincerely worship God to the best of his intentions, his innermost intentions would eventual come out again once his kingdom got back on its feet. Which begs the question, what kind of worship do we offer God when it only comes from us on Sunday? Is it “fair-weather” or “fan-weathered?” Are we really worshipping God on Sunday if the rest of our week we are rooting for something else?

I want to be a real God fan. The kind of fan who knows the ridiculous stats know one has ever heard of. The kind of fan people make fun of because they think I am obsessed. The kind of fan that knows so much about the game and is so committed to the team, that one the Coach calls me out of the stands and asks me to play. That is the real fan. The one who doesn’t just root for the team, but begs to get in the game.