Enthusiasm- Overrated or Not?

I recently heard a pastor talk about the value of enthusiasm.  Now I was not in a particularly excitable mood this day and knew that God was using this message to challenge my 'unenthusiastic' disposition of the day. My first thought when I heard the title of the sermon was, "Enthusiasm is highly overrated!"  And then I heard the voice of truth whisper, "It's not overrated - actually, you could stand to be a bit more enthusiastic about a few things in your own life..."  OUCH!  I could feel the sting of God's word attacking my own pessimism and melancholy disposition.

Ephesians 6:7-8 NLT
"Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.  Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free."

Romans 12: 9-13 NLT
"Don't just pretend to love others.  Really love them.  Hate what is wrong.  Hold tightly to what is good.  Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.  Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.  Rejoice in our confident hope.  Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.  When God's people are in need, be ready to help them.  Always be eager to practice hospitality."

These two scriptures segments help me to understand that the kind of energy I put forth toward others and my daily tasks is important to God. God doesn't just want my grudging obedience, but my cheerful, willing response to His will.   I prayed that day for God to re-energize my heart toward Him, toward others and toward the daily activities of my life.  To help me find joy and express enthusiasm in my work and play.

His response to my prayer was a loving reminder that enthusiasm is an external expression of an internal resolve to enjoy the process!  Joy is present within me as a fruit of the Holy Spirit, a by-product of living in Christ.  Enthusiasm is simply the overflow of that joyful attitude that God is good and worth the best of me in whatever I do.

The key to being enthusiastic is remembering that life is expended as unto the Lord and not simply unto men.  It means we can enjoy helping others whether they appreciate it or not.  It means we can express delight in our work regardless of the task.  We are not responding to life, but to our God who gives life. We understand that everyday is a gift, an opportunity to please our maker.  It is an expression of our gratitude for His goodness toward us.

Our gratitude is a direct result of our choice to think about what is good more than what is not. Philippians 4:8 ,(NLT) "And now dear brothers and sisters, one final thing.  Fix your thoughts on what is true, honorable, and right, and pure and lovely and admirable.  Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."  Thinking this way invites the peace of God, and helps us remain thankful.  And in the words of one very blueberry "Veggie Tale" character "A thankful heart is a happy heart!"

Until next time....