Enthusiasm

<<eagerness, zeal>>

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” (Eccl 9:10; Col 3:23). Enthusiasm must be soundly based (Rom 10:2,3). Convinced of the genuine necessity, and that the vision was an attainable goal, “the people worked with all their heart” (Neh 4:6). The wholehearted

“Never be lazy in your work but serve the Lord enthusiastically” – Romans 12:11

belief produced eager effort. Pour yourself into blessing others knowing that “your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor 15:58). Be determined that your life will count for God, understanding that you are contributing to the success of whole (1 Cor 12:14-19).

The “zeal of your house consumes me” (Ps 69:9). Am I passionate for the Kingdom of God, giving myself to that which will last for eternity? Do I eagerly share with others what Christ has done for me? One man deeply affected by the gospel “began to tell everyone about the great things Jesus had done for him” (Mk 5:20).

Volunteers play a significant part in society, commonly doing things without being asked or at least being coerced, but there can be a high dropout rate because of the lack of ‘pay’ and little recognition for services rendered. In our enthusiasm, we can make promises and enter into commitments that we can find difficult to maintain in the long-term. Young people are particularly prone to start with a bang and then fizzle out, or wholeheartedly embrace an ideal for a short time, then transfer that zeal to a new avenue to support. A wake-up call is recorded in the Bible, “You have forsaken your first love…Repent and do the things you did at first” (Rev 2:4,5). Therefore, it is wise to evaluate before committing yourself rather than having second thoughts once you have started (Lk 9:62).

Over time, we can lose heart, become discouraged with life turning to drudgery as the novelty of something new wears off, consequently our keenness fades and vitality diminishes. Keep your faith stimulated and the dream alive in your spirit. Don’t let Satan hinder or hold you back by any feelings of inadequacy but rise to the occasion, boldly declaring ‘Yes, I can do this,’ “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” (Phil 4:13).

Enthusiasm needs to be coupled with persistence, patience, wisdom and a growing maturity in Christ as there will come discouraging times, delays and many variable options will present themselves, which unless handled responsibly, can cause people to lose their grip on Christ (Mt 13:21).

Remember nothing in life is ideal and the results of effort often don’t produce the expected returns.

Have you progressed from compliance, through duty or obligation, to an eager desire bursting with passion. What motivates and fires me at my core? What do I throw myself into with almost reckless abandonment? Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm. However, carefully count the

Enthusiasm is contagious

cost, as enthusiasm needs to be tempered with reason and the ability to keep the momentum going through to a satisfactory completion (Lk 14:27-33).