DOES ENTHUSIASM HAVE A PLACE IN THE SPIRITUAL REALM?

SCRIPTURE:
The LORD said to Moses, “Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, 
the priest, has turned my anger away from the Israelites. Since he was 
as zealous for my honor among them as I am, I did not put an end to
them in my zeal.
(Numbers 25:10-11)

MEDITATION:
Enthusiasm is an emotion that we see in others quite often.
We even show enthusiasm ourselves at times.
The dictionary’s definition of enthusiasm:
Strong excitement about something; a strong feeling of active interest 
in something that you like or enjoy; something causing a feeling of 
excitement and active interest.

We see displays of enthusiasm at sporting events, stage performances, 
concerts, recitals, and movies, just to name a few.
However, isn’t it interesting that the world accepts enthusiasm 
in almost every realm except the spiritual?
Believers are suspect from the world’s view 
anytime we show enthusiasm about worshipping our Lord.

Whenever we express our enthusiasm regarding our dedication and appreciation of 
Jesus, we are considered religious fanatics by those slanted toward worldly values.
Although calling someone a “sports fanatic” is considered to be a compliment, 
calling someone a “religious fanatic” is considered a putdown.
In other words, those of the world have decided 
that we have exceeded the boundaries reserved for enthusiasm. 

This could very well be the reason why some people 
have decided to stay away from the church and why others stop attending.
They fail to see any enthusiasm from believers about what they believe.
Consequently, they fail to be interested in attending church, 
in worshipping, and ultimately in becoming a believer themselves.

So, is enthusiasm out of place in the spiritual realm?
Of course not, and we know that it is important when we see how God 
responded to the enthusiasm (“zeal”) of Phinehas regarding God’s honor.
The enthusiasm of one man resulted in 
the avoidance of God’s wrath and the death of many people.
That should tell us something, shouldn’t it?

ACTION:
How much enthusiasm do you have regarding your relationship with the Lord?
Can others detect your zeal for the Lord?
Do you look forward to “meeting together” with other believers in obedience 
to Hebrews 10:24-25, or is attending church just another event on your task list, or 
have you decided that church is not for you (regardless of what the scriptures say)?

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, forgive me for using my enthusiasm on many other 
things, but failing to show it regarding You. Teach me to be less inhibited 
about my zeal for You. Show me the changes I need to make in my life so 
that others will sense my zest for You. I want others to know beyond a 
shadow of a doubt how important You are to me and my life. Convict me 
of any decisions I have made regarding my relationship with You and other 
believers, that are contrary to what You expect. I love You and want others 
to know that I love You!”