Enthusiasm
The word enthusiasm is not found in the Bible, but comparable words and the idea is found often. Webster defines the word as “ardent zeal or interest; favor.” Regardless of what we do, we need enthusiasm in order to do the best job. We cannot truly serve God unless we do it with zeal or fervor. As we begin our gospel meeting we ought to enthusiastically look forward to the opportunities we will have to be edified and to share the good news with others.
Enthusiasm may be misguided and lead to harm rather than good. Paul said his Jewish brethren had “a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge” (Rom. 10:2). Before he learned better, Paul himself was in the same condition. He said, “Concerning zeal, persecuting the church” (Phil. 3:6). It was misguided zeal that killed Jesus. In Peter’s second recorded sermon, he told those who had crucified the Lord, “brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers” (Acts 3:17). Those motivated by misguided zeal are often unreasonable and arbitrary in their actions. Sadly, many religious people are motivated by zeal without a knowledge of the truth.
While misguided enthusiasm is destructive, the lack of zeal is also wrong. It manifests itself in non-commitment and non-involvement in the Lord’s work. A vicious cycle develops in which the person will not get involved because he has no zeal and he has no zeal because he refuses to get involved!
Zeal is contagious. If leaders are “down in the mouth” they cannot expect followers to be enthusiastic. Apollos was a man who was “fervent in spirit,” and he had great influence for good (Acts 18:24-28). Paul admonished the Romans, “not lagging n diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord” (Rom. 12:11). When we show zeal in our service to God, others are encouraged to serve Him also. Paul told the Corinthians “your zeal has stirred up the majority” (2 Cor. 9:2).
Many years ago, I heard a preacher say, “If you are not enthusiastic about your message—guess what!” A salesman who is not sold on his product is not likely to have much success. Are Christians sold on their product?
Christians are to be enthusiastic in their love for one another. Peter said,”Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart...And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins” (1 Pet. 1:22; 4:8). Christians must remember Christ purchased us to be “His own special people, zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14).
Zeal will cause us to be faithful in attendance, in spiritual growth and in seeking the lost. The lack of zeal will produce excuses, discouragement and unfaithfulness. Remember that knowledge without zeal is no more pleasing to God than zeal without knowledge.
Enthusiasm may be misguided and lead to harm rather than good. Paul said his Jewish brethren had “a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge” (Rom. 10:2). Before he learned better, Paul himself was in the same condition. He said, “Concerning zeal, persecuting the church” (Phil. 3:6). It was misguided zeal that killed Jesus. In Peter’s second recorded sermon, he told those who had crucified the Lord, “brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers” (Acts 3:17). Those motivated by misguided zeal are often unreasonable and arbitrary in their actions. Sadly, many religious people are motivated by zeal without a knowledge of the truth.
While misguided enthusiasm is destructive, the lack of zeal is also wrong. It manifests itself in non-commitment and non-involvement in the Lord’s work. A vicious cycle develops in which the person will not get involved because he has no zeal and he has no zeal because he refuses to get involved!
Zeal is contagious. If leaders are “down in the mouth” they cannot expect followers to be enthusiastic. Apollos was a man who was “fervent in spirit,” and he had great influence for good (Acts 18:24-28). Paul admonished the Romans, “not lagging n diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord” (Rom. 12:11). When we show zeal in our service to God, others are encouraged to serve Him also. Paul told the Corinthians “your zeal has stirred up the majority” (2 Cor. 9:2).
Many years ago, I heard a preacher say, “If you are not enthusiastic about your message—guess what!” A salesman who is not sold on his product is not likely to have much success. Are Christians sold on their product?
Christians are to be enthusiastic in their love for one another. Peter said,”Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart...And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins” (1 Pet. 1:22; 4:8). Christians must remember Christ purchased us to be “His own special people, zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14).
Zeal will cause us to be faithful in attendance, in spiritual growth and in seeking the lost. The lack of zeal will produce excuses, discouragement and unfaithfulness. Remember that knowledge without zeal is no more pleasing to God than zeal without knowledge.