Without even turning on a television, it is quite obvious when football season begins. People begin to dress in their favorite team's colors, events are planned around game day, and social media sites buzz with each score, major game play and final victory!

What's interesting is that while there are hundreds of thousands of FANS watching a college or major league football game, there are ONLY 22 players actually on the field PLAYING at any given time.

While these 22 men are playing, the fans are in the stadium or at home cheering them on AND sometimes yelling when they fail to make that pass, reach the end zone or stop a big play. When their team wins, fans cheer with them like the victory was their own. When they lose, many fans begin to analyze and critique what went wrong.

However, in all actuality, the game does not hinge on the "fan," it hinges on the commitment, preparation and execution of the PLAYERS. On Sunday, you may be sporting a jersey with your favorite player printed on the back of it, but unless you are on that field, you are indeed...just a fan.

There is another title that many of us "wear" but sadly sometimes fall in the "fan" category rather than performing as the committed players we were called to be. That title is Christian.

We should all be fans of Christ, but in addition, He has called you to more than just sitting on the sidelines. Today's verse reveals that we as believers each have a specific purpose in forming the "body of Christ." As His body, we are each called to be an active force in delivering His love, His Word and His power to this world.

We're not to sit back and only cheer-on the minister or the missionary in their efforts. We are ALL called to be ministers of the Gospel in the specific role we play each day.

I challenge you today to evaluate whether you have been an active member of the body of Christ or just a very big fan. Sure, as believers, we need to cheer each other on and be "fans" of those we love. However, our cheering needs to come from the field not from the stands or even....our recliners.

Dear Lord, I thank You that You have called me to be more than just a fan of the faith. I count it an honor and a privilege to be an active part of the body of Christ.

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.