Clergy/Leaders’ Mail-list No. 2-248 (Devotional)

ENTHUSIASM (Matthew 10:39)

by Kim Thoday

A person who is enthusiastic has the power to inspire and motivate.

The word enthuse is built upon two ancient Greek words: en (in) and theos (God). To be enthusiastic is literally to be in God.

Charles Schwabb, the American Industrialist who rose from poverty and later formed the US Steel Corporation, said: ‘You can succeed at almost anything for which you have unlimited enthusiasm.’

Emerson said: ‘Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.’

An anonymous quote: ‘Years wrinkle the skin, but lack of enthusiasm wrinkles the soul.’

Thoreau: ‘None are so old as those whom have outlived enthusiasm.’

So what are you enthusiastic about? What are we enthusiastic for?

Jesus of Nazareth is a primary witness to what it means to be in God; to be full of God’s Spirit, to be in tune with the music of God’s symphony of life, to know God’s heart.

How was Jesus enthused? He was passionately enthusiastic about the mission of establishing God’s Kingdom on earth (i.e. God’s radical new order of things).

Jesus was/is enthused about a new way of being human in the world. To this in-God-ness, Jesus subordinated everything else. His life was like a fiercely burning flame, totally consumed with this enthusiasm.

Little else is as contagious as enthusiasm. As Jesus’ disciples, will we catch the dis/ease of his enthusiasm?

Jesus’ enthusiastic dis/ease with this broken and sinful world, centred upon justice, compassion and salvation, especially for the most disadvantaged in our communities. At the same time his mission of grace was open to all to repent and follow – in the Way. So we are to be both centred and open in our in-God-ness.

Jesus’ enthusiasm for this mission arose from his passionate commitment to God. So too must we be inspired.

A deep, soul centred commitment, nourished Jesus’ enthusiasm for people. His enthusiasm redefined the nature of religious faith. The test of religious commitment is no longer primarily measured by pious practice. The measure is now the practice of service with, and for, others.

The radical call of Jesus to follow the road less travelled of justice, compassion and mercy is something to be enthusiastic about. It is, in fact, through this enthusiasm that God promises that we will find life now and for eternity!

This echoes Jesus’ own passion: ‘If you try to save your life you will lose it, but if you lose your life for my sake you will find it.’ (Matt 10:39)

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Kim Thoday <>

Hewett Community Church of Christ, South Australia. http://www.hewett.org.au

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