Good Morning Everyone,
Our theme for this month: “Enthusiasm”
Our Bible verse for today: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command.” Matthew 22:37-38 (HCSB)
Our thought for today: “Be enthusiastic for the things of God”
The dictionary tells us that to have enthusiasm means to have “Great excitement for or interest in a subject or cause.” Synonyms for enthusiasm include “eagerness, earnestness, intensity, passion, and devotion.” To be enthusiastic about something means you are “wholehearted, spirited, animated, demonstrative, fervent, and all fired up.”
Reminds you of your favorite sports team, right? You put on the jersey of the best player, paint your face blue and gold, go to the stadium and spend three hours on your feet pumping your fist and shouting like a wild man. Or maybe you showed that kind of enthusiasm when you saw your favorite music star in concert. Again you were on your feet, clapping and cheering, singing along, and hoping for an autograph after the show.
Sometimes our enthusiasm for something results in a dedication and commitment that borders on compulsive. I know people who are like that about their career. Parents sometimes become that fixated on the social and recreational activities of their children. Many times it’s a hobby that captures our heart and mind like that.
But how’s your enthusiasm level when it comes to the things of God? Is your commitment and dedication to His kingdom-building work here on earth anywhere near what you give to your career? Do you worship God with the same passion and energy you have for your favorite football team? Do you give the same kind of close attention to the sermon on Sunday as you do to that television show you watch every Monday?
My friends, as Christians we should be wildly enthusiastic for the things of God. Our hearts and minds should be so captivated by Jesus, and our love for the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit should be so all-consuming, that nothing else in life comes close to receiving the energy and passion we put into our relationship with Him.
The truth is that most of us need an attitude adjustment in this area. All too often we are much more enthusiastic and passionate about things that are much less important, and we are lukewarm at best when it comes to the practice of our faith. We need to turn that around. Our enthusiasm for the things of God should be the driving force in our lives. All this month we will consider changes we can make to ensure that it is.
God Bless,
Pastor Jim
Oak Hill Baptist Church 