Wednesday, August 2
Enthusiasm
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9
2 Corinthians 9:1–2 For it is not necessary for me to write you about this service to the saints, 2 because I know your eagerness to help. I keep boasting to the Macedonians about this eagerness of yours, that Achaia has been ready to give since last year, and your zeal to participate has stirred up most of them.
Observation
Paul wrote about the offering he was receiving to support the poor in the Jerusalem church. He makes remarkable promises about generosity and also encourages the Corinthians to follow through on their enthusiastic promises to participate.
He commented on their “eagerness to help” and their “zeal to participate” and noted that it had inspired others (stirred them up or encouraged them).
Enthusiasm moves others to action. This is true whether it is about generosity or some other action. Indifference or half-heartedness never changed the world.
Application
So, what or whom would I like to influence today? I can accomplish that by being genuinely enthusiastic (eager, zealous, ready). Enthusiasm for Jesus, for His word, for His way will impact others and stir them up.
“Enthusiasm” comes from the Greek words that mean “in God”—to be filled with God. What are you enthusiastic about?
Prayer: Lord, I love You. Fill me with Your Spirit and make me enthusiastic about You so that others are stirred to follow!
More: Jeremiah 3-4, Psalm 90, Revelation 5