ENTHUSIASM GETS THE JOB DONE

The Meaning:

Enthusiasm is a dynamic success quality as well as a very interesting word. It is actually formed from 2 Greek words: en = in, theos = god. So enthusiasm literally means “God in”. For the Christian believer, this is a very important life message. Whatever we do, if we feel that God is in the effort, how great an effort is then possible! In fact, it’s a Scriptural principle: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might…”- enthusiasm (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

By what means do you generate enthusiasm?

The Means:

First, since Christians are “indwelt by God”, the first source of energy for a task is knowing that God wants you to do it, or knowing that God is in it!

In ancient Pergamos, the city whose prime god was Aesclepius, the god of medicine, the priests looked over the crop of potential patients, determined which ones were probably going to get well, then approved them for treatment. The treatment included the priest’s voice being piped into the patient’s sleeping room with instructions on what foods to eat, drugs to consume, exercises to perform. The idea? –If a doctor tells you to eat this, do that, you may or you may not. –But IF GOD TELLS YOU TO DO IT, YOU’LL DO IT, -ENTHUSIASTICALLY!

Second, If you are convinced your cause is just, enthusiasm springs to your aid. Here, it’s a case of “right makes might”. Martin Luther King, Jr. persevered against great odds because he knew his cause was just. His enthusiasm often landed him in jail, but it also sprang to aid him to help our nation actualize the freedom we all hold dear.

Third, If you are convinced that what you’re doing is needed, enthusiasm becomes your partner.

What keeps Bill Gates and Microsoft financially fat? Bill is absolutely convinced that everyone needs a computer and he has sold that idea to millions of Americans and folks around the world. Enthusiasm been his constant business partner.

Fourth, If you are convinced that what you are doing will enrich the lives of others, enthusiasm squeezes your adrenal glands and provides the energy needed to get the job done! Thomas Edison knew what the electric light would do for the lamp-lit farms and small towns of America, to say nothing of its business community. Enthusiasm squeezed his adrenal system and sustained him through his own long nights of hundreds of failures. He got the job done!

The Mechanics:

A very helpful life maxim is this truth: “The difference between success and failure, as often as not, depends on what you do when you feel like quitting.” If you can keep enthusiasm for your task, your job, your marriage current and strong, you won’t quit and GOOD THINGS COME TO GOOD PEOPLE WHO REFUSE TO QUIT DOING GOOD THINGS. Jesus is used as our example: Hebrews 12:2:

“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, Who for the joy (enthusiasm) that was set before him (i.e. “bringing many sons to glory” Heb. 3:10) endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Christ won! HE FINISHED THE JOB! Why? He knew God was in what He was doing and He did it with –ENTHUSIASM!

For success, then, –get enthusiasm!

How? 1) Know God is in what you’re doing. 2) Be convinced your cause is just. 3) Be convinced of the need of what you’re doing. 4) Know that what you’re doing is helpful to others. If you are convinced of these things, your heart will respond with enthusiasm, and with ENTHUSIASM, you’ll get the job done!

SERMON OUTLINE:

TOPIC: ENTHUSIASM

TITLE: ENTHUSIASM GETS THE JOB DONE

1. The Meaning (of enthusiasm)
   1. Two Greeks words make one
      1. en = in
      2. theos=god
      3. combined, we have the word, enthuse or “God in” or “in God”
      4. The Scriptural principle of enthusiasm: Ecclesiastes 9:10
2. The Means (of acquiring enthusiasm)
   1. If God is in it
   2. If your cause is just
   3. If it is needed
   4. If it is helpful to others
3. The Mechanics (of applying enthusiasm)
   1. The difference between success and failure
   2. The “Jesus Example” – Hebrews 12:2

Recap

This material is published by the Faith Committee of the Character Council of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Reproduction and Adaptation is encouraged.