Follow the Fun

Kiah Champion

Kiah Champion is a twenty-something writer and content creator who is passionate about Jesus, adventure, and travel. She was born and raised in New Jersey, and currently lives in Orlando, Florida, where she spends her time exploring new running trails, searching for the best coffee shops, and plotting her adventures to new places.

I heard God speak to me on a cool, sunny morning in July. I was sitting on my front porch, overthinking a difficult decision as my anxiety and agony blazed against the summer sun. My Bible was open, and my hands were clenched in prayer, begging God to tell me what I should do next.

“Follow the fun,” I heard the Lord gently whisper to my soul. It felt less like an answer to prayer and more like an invitation. The kind of invitation from your crazy friend who says, “Let’s go to Paris!” or “Let’s go skydiving!” Compelling, yet confusing all at the same time.

“What?” I audibly questioned. Dropping everything to just “follow the fun” felt all too simple. God, what about logistics? What about being a rational adult? And how could Jesus, the Suffering Servant, possibly be telling me to follow the fun? 

Then, I envision Jesus with wild hair, bright eyes, and a kind smile. I picture him laughing over dinner with His disciples. The same Jesus who turned water into wine and healed the blind. I imagine Him walking on water and miraculously multiplying food in abundance. I imagine Him throwing endless, eternal parties for his prodigal children coming home. I could only imagine how thrilling it must be to defeat death, set captives free, and bring hope to a weary world. It is only then — when I take a good, hard look at the Gospels, mingled with their suffering and healing, weeping and rejoicing, death and resurrection — that I realize our Jesus is relentlessly fun. 

I always thought it was peculiar that Jesus’ very first miracle was turning water into wine. Surely, the perfect Son of God who defeats death could have started His earthly ministry with a bit more of a grand entrance. But this miracle wasn't a party trick. It was about freeing the bride and groom from the shame of running out of wine, so that they would enjoy the celebration of their new covenant relationship. Each day, He does the same for us. He invites us to celebrate our covenant relationship with Him. He saves us from sin and shame so that we may be free to have fun.

Now, don’t get me wrong. Everything isn’t fun 24/7. Jesus did say “In this world, you will have trouble.” This world can be harsh and unkind, and there are some days when I wish I could escape it. On those days, I hope we never forget the part where Jesus says “But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). 

Life with Jesus isn’t meant to be easy, but I believe life with Him is meant to be like one of those Choose Your Own Adventure games. Sure, there are tough decisions, but there are also unexpectedly beautiful and fun journeys that ensue. Following the fun is about choosing to reorient our gazes towards God and the glimpses of His glory that we can catch every day. Sometimes, it's the sweet, simple things like choosing to take the scenic way home or adding sprinkles to your ice cream. Other times, it’s the grueling work of squinting to see a slither of joy amid depression. Whatever it might look like, I believe that God hard-wired each of us for fun. 

If you’re anything like me, the words “follow the fun” sound far too idealistic and evoke feelings of confusion. The truth is, following the fun is simple. Here’s how to start:

• Become childlike again. Jesus commends childlike faith, and I believe there’s a lot we can learn from kids, especially when it comes to fun. Think of what you used to do for hours as a child. Maybe it was writing or painting or playing outside. Whatever it was, rediscover it and do more of it!

• Pick up new hobbies, especially ones that you are bad at. You don’t necessarily have to be a rockstar at something to enjoy yourself. Learn how to have fun simply for the sake of having fun. 

• Get serious about fun. I know it sounds a bit contradictory, but fun is serious business. Be intentional about having fun. Clear some space in your schedule to experience joy and to have fun with your new hobbies. Challenge yourself to find fun each day, no matter how small or simplistic it might be.

I believe in relentlessly and rebelliously following the fun. Because if we aren’t following the fun, chances are, we’re following something else. We might be chasing money or status or trying to live up to other people’s expectations of us. Whatever it might be, we lose sight of joy and forget to bask in the beauty that is all around us. May we always remember that a life in pursuit of Jesus — even with its pain and trials — is meant to be a life in pursuit of wholehearted, unadulterated, sacred fun.