Mania says: “It’s all about me, and it all depends on me.” Enthusiasm says: “It’s all about God, and it all depends on God.” There is a world of difference between the two. The first leads to catastrophe; the second leads to triumph and eternal rest. As it is written: “To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.”
It all depends on our focus and our ambition. Do we want to be the center of attention, or do we want Christ to be the center of attention? It is a daily choice that we all must make. Our natural default is self centeredness, and it requires a great work of the Spirit to produce Christ centeredness in us. We must cooperate with the Spirit and let Christ rule and reign in our hearts, if we are to be truly happy in this life. And Christ is “The Word.” We come to know him and obey him by spending time in his word.
Enthusiasm is its own reward. To be enthusiastic is to be “filled with God.” Though we are weak and frail creatures in our own strength, we are mighty warriors when we are marching with The King of Kings. We have the capacity to allow The Great I Am to reside and preside in our hearts. And when he is at home in us, nothing can stop us from reaching our full potential. We will be conformed to the image of Christ, and we will be glorified with him forever!
~ Brad Heilhecker
Restored People Community 