Enthusiasm

“Never be lazy in your work but serve the Lord enthusiastically” (Rom. 12:11)

When I was a child, I often heard myself described as enthusiastic. I suppose that was because I usually threw myself into every task I had to do cheerfully. This was true even concerning things I disliked doing; I just dove into each task with energy and a smile until it was completed. As I grew older, I noticed I was generally happier than others who weren’t enthusiastic about things. Enthusiastic workers not only seemed happier, but they usually got things done faster and better. I found that a good attitude, driven by enthusiasm, was a winning combination.

This helped me a lot as I grew up

I was never without a job, and I never had to look for one; people usually asked me to work for them. Often, it was because I had noticed that something needed to be done, and I just jumped into action enthusiastically without being asked. On our honeymoon, for instance, Susan and I stopped at a music store somewhere in California. It was a madhouse—full of people—and there was only one worker to help people with what they needed, and he also had to check them out at the register. I noticed a mother and her young son looking at the guitars on the racks but not knowing what to get. I walked over and asked a few questions and then picked out a guitar for them that was perfect according to his size, skill level, and at the right price the mother could afford—they went to the counter and purchased the guitar. I then helped someone else find the right kind of guitar strings they needed. And then I helped someone else find something else, and I continued to help people until all had been served. The man at the register said, “Who are you, and do you want a job?” I laughed and told him I was on my honeymoon, just passing through, and I was just glad to help. This is the power of enthusiasm!

What is enthusiasm?

The word enthusiasm is an interesting word. When you look it up in the dictionary, it defines enthusiasm as “a strong excitement of feeling, an energetic interest in a particular subject or activity, and an eagerness to be involved in it.” Some synonyms are eagerness, excitement, fervor, zest, and zeal. And this describes how I normally try to behave. But this kind of natural enthusiasm, as helpful as it is, isn’t as powerful as the original Greek definition, which has to do with passion for God rather than passionate or eager interest in general. The Greek word for enthusiasm is éntheos, which literally means “having God within you.” By the beginning of the 18th century, however, the word began to be used to describe having strong feelings or an interest in secular matters. Too bad!

Why does it matter?

The true meaning of the word enthusiasm, literally meaning “Having God within you” is wonderful and powerful and will make a huge difference in everything you do in life when applied. Simply put, applied enthusiasm empowers you to achieve what God has placed you on earth to do! Now that’s good news! If you want to be successful, be enthusiastic for God!

Therefore

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;” (Col. 3:23 KJV)

“Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4 NIV)

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thess 5:16-18 ESV)