Colossians 3:23

"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men" Colossians 3:23

One of the characteristics of the Christian life should be enthusiasm. The origin of the word enthusiasm is enlightening. It comes from the Greek word enthusiasmis. This word literally means to be possessed by a god or to be given over to poetic or prophetic frenzy. There is something about touching the eternal which produces enthusiasm.

It's impossible to be cool about meeting the creator of the universe face to face, and he calls you his child. There is an excitement resident within the gospel message. It is "good news," "glad tidings," full of "great joy." It is not to be whispered about in the basement. It is to be shouted from the rooftops.

The Christian is enthusiastic because he or she carries this God- Consciousness within his or her heart. This person exults in the mere fact of existence knowing that every breath taken is a gift of the creator. This person sees God's handiwork in all of creation. This person sees God's handiwork in the mirror. Every new day is a cause for excitement. The adventure is continuing. The journey has turned another corner. Exciting things are waiting just around the next turn. Sure there are rocks in the road and danger along the path. There may be battles ahead. But these are but other forms of excitement. Because beyond the rocks lies a beautiful meadow. And following the battle is the victory celebration. So we clamor over the rocks and we run to the battle with as much enthusiasm as when we play in the meadows and celebrate the victory.

It is all one. The rocks and the meadows. The battles and the victories. They are all part of the great adventure. They are all causes for excitement and for enthusiasm. And we know, that the enthusiasm of the present is but a foretaste of that great. final, everlasting celebration. The call to the party is imminent, and with spiritual ears we listen for that call. Is that a trumpet I hear? It is faint, but growing nearer. I guess Gabriel is just tuning up. Amen and Amen.