“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!

The Word for You Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from Celebration Enterprises, Inc. Copyright © 2024