By Carol Round – “He died under God’s judgment against our sins so that he could rescue us from constant falling into sin and make us his very own people, with cleansed hearts and real enthusiasm for doing kind things for others”—Titus 2:14 (TLB).
In a recent social media post, an individual shared her story about a 60-year-old woman in the fitness class they both attended. Betty, the oldest woman in the class, would yell, “Woo-hoo,” any time the instructor would up the intensity of an exercise.
However, the rest of the class members groaned as the exercises became more challenging. But not Betty. Her excitement just increased as she continued to yell, “Woo-hoo.”
Eventually, Betty’s obvious zest for life filled the room, and the other class members were infused with her energy. The commentator of the video said, “Her enthusiasm fueled us. Instead of moaning, we all began shouting, “Woo-Hoo,” when the instructor introduced the next activity.”
Be Full of Enthusiasm
In an article by Norman Vincent Peale, he wrote, “Enthusiasm—it’s one of the greatest words in the English language! It is a word built deeply into the victorious spirit of man himself. The word enthusiasm is derived from two little Greek words, en and theos, with theos being the Greek word for God. So ‘enthusiasm’ literally means, in its root concept, ‘full of God.’ Maybe that’s why enthusiastic people are so often creative and joyful!”
I experienced this recently when two elementary-aged neighborhood girls approached me while I was retrieving my mail. One of the girls showed me a rock she and her friend had painted. Smiling, she placed it in my hand and said, “We want you to have this.”
I marveled—not only at their creativity—but also their enthusiasm. Thanking the girls for the gift, I smiled. As I turned toward my front door, the girls asked if they could hide some of their painted rocks around my front yard. Of course, I said yes. Their enthusiasm made my day.
Maintaining Our Enthusiasm
In Peale’s article, he added, “The Bible uses several different words for this idea of being filled with enthusiasm: ardor, zeal, whole-heartedness. My personal favorite is ‘eager.’ When you are eager, you are enthusiastic about your service to God and others. This idea is taught again and again in the New Testament. We are told to:
• Be “eager to serve” (1 Peter 5:2)
• Live “eager for the gifts of the Spirit” (1 Corinthians 14:12)
• Have an “eager willingness” to finish the work of faith we’ve begun (2 Corinthians 8:11)
• Wait in “eager expectation” for God (Romans 8:9)
• Be “eager to do what is good” (Titus 2:14)
How can we maintain our eagerness? Through a surrendered life to Jesus, we can overcome negativity, overcome our heartaches, and celebrate victoriously. Enthusiasm can be just as contagious as negativity. Look at the positives in your life. Examine the times you’ve overcome life’s trials and yell, “Woo-Hoo.”
I always love hearing from my readers. Please e-mail me at [email protected] with your thoughts or visit my blog for more inspiration at www.carolaround.com. If you need a speaker or workshop leader, contact me at the above e-mail address or through my website. I’d be delighted to hear from you.
Photo by Mert Guller on Unsplash
