Show some enthusiasm!

“Make full use of the gift that God gave you.” 2 Timothy 1:6 CEV

Unless you maintain your enthusiasm, life can wear you down. A job that once challenged you can become monotonous, a relationship that once excited you can grow stale, and a daily walk with God that once inspired you can feel like just going through the motions. The word enthusiasm comes from a Greek word that means “possessed by, or inspired by God.” But how do you stay inspired? Just as the Israelites gathered fresh manna every morning, you need a daily infusion of God’s Word and God’s Spirit. Paul challenged the Christians in Rome: “Serve the Lord enthusiastically” (Romans 12:11 NLT). And the believers in Galatia: “If someone is eager to do good things…that’s all right” (Galatians 4:18 NLT). So instead of complaining about all the things you don’t like, realize that the presence and power of God lives within you, and put a smile on your face and a spring in your step. Remember whose kingdom you’re a citizen of—God’s! Author Sheldon Vanauken said, “The best argument for Christianity is Christians: their joy, their certainty, their completeness. But the strongest argument against Christianity is also Christians—when they are sombre…joyless…self-righteous…smug… narrow and repressive.” The Christian life is not meant to be a journey to the grave with the goal of arriving safely in a well-preserved body, but a race to the finish line, used up, totally fulfilled, and loudly proclaiming, “Wow! What a ride!” David tells us God lifted him out of a pit of despair, put his feet on solid ground, and gave him a new song (see Psalm 40:1-3). And hasn’t He done the same for you? So show some enthusiasm!

Bible in a year: 1 Chron 7-9 and Acts 15:22-41