Dear Friends,
I will never forget him. His name was Jonathan Deeb, and he was a student
at Calvary Christian School in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Most people never knew his
name, but they could never forget his enthusiasm. He was the kind of guy whose
picture was found next to the word enthusiasm in the dictionary.
Exhibiting joyful enthusiasm, people would often chuckle as they
watched him cartwheeling, jumping up and down, and wildly waving his orange
flag, as he directed traffic onto the campus for one of the worship services at
Calvary Chapel.
Jonathan was the epitome of enthusiasm because he was excited
about the One he served. Some might classify him as being a little ‘far out,’ but
you could never criticize him for his lack of enthusiasm. He was enthusiastic
in his efforts to serve. He was truly one of God’s great cheerleaders.
How’s our enthusiasm level for Jesus? Are we excited about
our faith? Do we need a spiritual tune up? Has it been a little too long
since we've had a vital quiet time? How's our prayer life? How is our
worship? Do we still feel the same excitement and expectancy we once felt when
we first met the Lord and walked into His sanctuary? What about our spiritual
fervor? Are we white hot or lukewarm? Do our spirit spiritual batteries need a
little recharging?
Enthusiasm comes from the words ‘en’ and ‘theos’ which means “in
God." If we are in God, we ought to be enthusiastic. As I thought about
this word, I was reminded of Romans 12:11 where Paul gives advice on how to be
Christian cheerleaders. He writes, “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your
spiritual fervor, (be aglow with the Spirit) serving the Lord.”
Years ago, in a church I served, there was a new member who had
come to know Jesus and was on fire for Him. He was emotionally and physically
expressive in worship, but at the same time he was sensitive to those who might
not possess his same enthusiasm. And so, during the singing of one of the
worship songs, he turned to an older member in the church who was sitting next
to him and asked, “Do you mind if I raise my hands as I worship?” To which the
elder succinctly replied, “Yes, I do.” Unfortunately, my friend’s pew partner
could have benefited from a large dose of enthusiasm.
Someone writes enthusiasm “is faith set on fire.” I like that
definition because it reminds me of the dangers of spiritual complacency, one
of the perils that can be found on our faith journey.
May our faith never become stale because we fail to remember the
incredible things that God has done in our lives. Jesus had some harsh words
for the lukewarm crowd. He says because you are neither hot nor cold but
lukewarm, I will spew (vomit) you out of my mouth. (Rev 3:16)
I close with the words Paul writes to Timothy: “For this reason I
remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the
laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a
spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1: 6-7.
So, if we need to fan the flames of our faith, let's get out the
poker and stoke up some of those coals that may be flickering and in danger of
going out.
Yours in faith and friendship,
Tom
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