“Serve the Lord enthusiastically.” Romans 12:11 NLT
“Enthusiasm is the pure expression of a life linked with the power and presence of God.”
My thoughts today are about “enthusiasm.”
You were never meant to live everyday life “out of an empty cup.” David rejoiced to say, “The Lord is my Shepherd . . my cup overflows with blessing!” Psalm 23:1/5 NLT. Jesus promised that He came that you might “have life and that life more abundantly.” John 10:10. One paraphrase of that verse voices Jesus’ words this way, “that you may have far more life than ever before.” That sounds neither inadequate nor unavailable. Why try to live on less than all God promises you?
Enthusiasm literally means “filled with God” from the Greek word, en-theos – “to be in God and/or to have God in you.” Paul prayed for the believers at Ephesus that they “might be filled with all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:19. Think about those words . . filled! . . with fullness! . . with all the fullness! . . with the fullness of God Himself! That’s the way God designed life to be for you. That’s what God had in mind for how you can live your life – joy-filled, energy-packed, adrenaline-pumping with excited anticipation. Enthusiasm is contagious. Others can catch it, if you spread it around.
Here’s what the Apostle Paul wrote about Christ-followers in Corinth, “In fact, it was your enthusiasm that stirred up many (others) to begin helping.” 2 Corinthians 9:2 NLT. As a lad, I heard my Dad say, “There are two kinds of people. Those who make people happy when they come and those who make people happy when they go!” Better to be among the first. Whatever you choose to do, also choose to do it enthusiastically, cool or not!
Here is your reality. Jesus has given you abundant life now, and eternal life forever. Any other view of your life is only your inaccurate perception of reality. He promises to “daily load you with benefits.” Psalm 68:19 NKJV. Where would there be any emptiness in that? What do you lack?
Why not be enthusiastic? Real enthusiasm is not the fruit of everything being well at the moment; enthusiasm is the firm conviction that, in Christ, all is well. Enthusiasm is the pure expression of a life powerfully linked to the very life of God Himself, and the unchanging fullness of joy He provides.
My prayer for you is that you live life to the fullest, savoring every wonderful moment.