Enthusiasm is a missing ingredient in the lives of many Christians, but it should not be. Think about the exciting history that Luke recorded of Paul following his conversion. The apostle’s testimony, teaching and lifestyle were characterised by holy zeal. You could never accuse Paul of being Mr. Boring.
William Marshall told of a new Christian who had Paul’s kind of excitement. A week after he had accepted the Lord, this new believer met with a group of others for a Bible study. Before beginning, they knelt to pray, each taking his turn. When it came time for the new convert to pray, he said with youthful enthusiasm, “Oh God, three cheers for Jesus!” We may be surprised by his informal expression, but such spiritual freshness should thrill and waken us from our lethargy.
Living for Christ need not be drab. In fact, it dare not be! “Whatever you do,” wrote the Apostle Paul, “Do it with all your heart, as to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:23) Marshall in his book, Eternity Shut in a Span, says, “Godly enthusiasm is not a fire of our own kindling…If a man, however, has caught fire, let me not quench the Spirit by dampening the ardour of his pure devotion…Enthusiasm is not contrary to reason, it is reason – on fire!”
Sometimes we can let our religious sophistication smother our excitement about Christ. If that has happened, let’s ask the Lord to rekindle the flame of holy zeal in our hearts. Then, in our work and witness, we’ll get excited.
The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul of fire for God.
God bless you as you fuel the fire of enthusiasm for Christ.
Seek your First Love today – your pastor, Daren.
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