Issue 1268 – Enthusiasm – October 10, 2023
One of the greatest joys and frustrations about owning a border collie, or border collie cross, is their enthusiasm. When they are into something, they are in whole hog, no holds barred, pedal to the metal, wide open. In this shot, Misty is chasing her frisbee and nothing as small as a pond is going to hold her back.
That can be a great joy to watch or make you crazy if they get fixated on the wrong things. They don’t seem to have a middle ground. They are in, or they are out.
Sometimes, as Christians, we could learn from border collies. Admittedly, we can get too fixated on wrong doctrines or practices. Still, we could benefit by having an all-out attitude towards our faith.
I see that concept in many places in the Scriptures.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:16-17
Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free. Ephesians 6:5-8
As bond-servants to and ambassadors of Christ, everything we do is in His service and to represent him. One of my great joys is watching the freshly born-again Christian approach the whole world with an almost overwhelming zeal and enthusiasm. They can typically use some tempering and discernment, but their joy in the journey is contagious.
It is easy for us to get distracted and become complacent. Many a Christian and local assembly has started with wild excitement only to have it peter out.
It happened to the church in Laodicea.
“And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation. I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.” Revelation 3:14-19
It can happen to any of us.
We need to do a periodic heart check. Are we on fire for Christ and showing Him well in all we do? Or have we grown lukewarm or even cold in that relationship?
Are we willing obedient servants, or are we dragging our feet doing the bare minimum we can?
Fortunately, our salvation isn’t dependent upon the quality of our service or the level of our enthusiasm. That is anchored in the character and sacrifice of Christ.
Yet, I don’t think any of us wants to be considered complacent, lukewarm or half-hearted followers of Jesus. We don’t intend to be poor representatives of our Lord.
When we find ourselves in that place, we can turn to him in humble repentance and return to the right path. I know that I have been grateful for that truth more than once.
Where is your heart for the Lord? Are you hot, cold or lukewarm?
Be blessed
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)
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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV).
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