Romans 12:11 instructs us to ‘Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically’ (NLT). We should be so excited and so full of delight to be able to serve God that we naturally want to put 100 per cent effort into whatever He asks of us. Giving our all results in victory, not defeat; in satisfaction, not regret. Even if we don’t get the outcome we wanted, we’ve still won because we’ve done our best, just as God wants us to: 'In all the work you are doing, work the best you can. Work as if you were doing it for the Lord, not for people. Remember that you will receive your reward from the Lord, which he promised to his people. You are serving the Lord Christ’ (Colossians 3:23-24 NCV).

Enthusiasm is at the core of every worthwhile accomplishment. Among the disciples, one in particular was known for his enthusiasm: Simon, who was called ‘the Eager One’. Before his conversion, Simon belonged to a militant nationalist party committed to Jewish liberation from Rome. By grace, Simon the political zealot became a spiritual revolutionary who channelled his passion into the gospel of Christ and His kingdom.

The word enthusiasm comes from the two Greek words en Theos, meaning ‘God within’. Christian enthusiasm is God-inspired passion, driven by the Glory of God, directed by the Word of God, dedicated to the Son of God, and coming from the Spirit of God. When it comes to loving and serving Christ, giving it everything we’ve got is the only way to go! Today, strive like Simon to be known as the ‘Eager One’ for God.

What Now?

Whenever you face a task you don’t particularly like today, say to yourself, ‘My enthusiasm for this is low, but I’m going to let my enthusiasm for God carry me through it with joy.’