THEME: DIGNITY IN CHARACTER
TOPIC: BEING AN ENTHUSIASTIC PERSON
TEACHER: BROTHER ANIETIE UDO AKPAN
INTRODUCTION:
When you are enthusiastic about something, you want to do it very well, like it very much, and show this in an excited way. Therefore an enthusiastic person is a person who devotes himself to doing something that is of keen interest to him. Apollos exhibited enthusiasm because, “He had been taught the way of the Lord, and he taught others about Jesus with an enthusiastic spirit” (Acts 18: 25).
THE POWER OF ENTHUSIASM:
A philosopher and poet, Ralph Emerson, once said: “Every great and commanding movement in the annals of the world is the triumph of enthusiasm; nothing great was achieved without it.” When one is enthusiastic about his or her work, ordinary behaviour is turned into extraordinary achievements. Indeed, enthusiasm will change ordinary tasks into successful accomplishments. It will change the ordinary person into one who accomplishes exceptional tasks. Matthew the tax collector (Matt.9:9-13); Peter a fisherman (Mark 1:16-20); Paul a persecutor of the Church (Acts 9:1-9); David a humble shepherd of his father’s flock, who rose to be king over God’s chosen people (I Sam. 16:11, 13).
EXAMPLE OF SOME ENTHUSIASTIC PERSONS IN THE BIBLE
Phinehas: When Israel committed whoredom that stirred God’s anger which brought destruction upon Israel, Phinehas, son of Eleazar, rose to the occasion with zeal and turned back God’s wrath from Israel (Num. 25:1-13).
Esther: With zeal Esther rescued her people from the evil plot that Haman planned against the Israelites (Esther 4:14-17; 8:8-17).
Deborah: Deborah, a woman of vigour and enthusiasm, rescued Israel by destroying the army of King Jabin (Judges 4:4-9, 14; 5:1).
Moses: He was the one God used to deliver Israel from Egypt; the law giver (Exod. 2:11-15; Exod. 14: 13-22; Exod. 17:8-16; Acts 7:23-24; John 1:17).
Paul: Overzealous in Jewish religion and law, he persecuted the church, but was converted on the road to Damascus. He became an Apostle, enthusiastic in preaching Christ and the Good News, and embarked on several missionary journeys to evangelize the world (Acts 22: 3, 4; 9:1-9; 26:12-18; 15: 36).
Philip: With a burning passion to spread the good news, he preached Christ to the Ethiopian Eunuch and got him baptized (Acts 8:26-39).
Peter: A fisherman, called to be a fisher of men, he was outstanding among the 12 disciples and enthusiastic in preaching the gospel of Christ (Matt. 1:16-20; Matt. 4: 8-20; Mark 8: 27-30; Acts 9: 36-43).
DEVELOPING ENTHUSIASTIC CHARACTER
1. In Evangelism: This is a direct command from Jesus Christ, our Lord and Master (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16: 15-16).
2. In Benevolence: We have to be apt in showing kindness to everyone (Rom. 12: 13; Gal. 6: 9-10).
3. In Edification: It behooves on us, brethren, to edify one another (1 Thess. 3: 2; 5: 11, 14; Titus 1: 9; 1 Pet. 5:12).
4. In Fellowship: We must fellowship with ourselves, both in and outside the church (Heb. 10:25, Psalms 133:1).
5. In Service: We should always be ready to render our services to the church willingly and freely without being compelled (1 Cor. 15: 58).
BENEFITS OF ENTHUSIASM IN OUR ACTIVITIES AS CHRISTIANS:
Sure of soul salvation (Col. 3: 23-24).
There is prosperity awaiting you (Rom. 12: 11; Gal. 6:9).
Spiritual growth (John 5: 39; 2 Tim. 2:15).
Good spiritual relationship with the Father and the son Jesus Christ (John 15:10-15).
Always ready to defend the Truth (True Gospel) (1 Peter 3: 15).
CONCLUSION:
Brethren, as we draw nearer to the end of time, let us be reminded of what the Spirit revealed to the church in Laodicea in Revelation 3: 14-19. Enthusiasm is the opposite of lukewarmness. Let us rise up from our lukewarm attitude and be enthusiastic in the service of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Remain blessed.