Enthusiasm is in, Cool is Out
Recently watching a 30/30 on ESPN about the Larry Bird/Magic Johnson rivalry, I loved the way they framed how Magic Johnson and Larry Bird changed the NBA forever. Both Larry and Magic had something that was rare, some say it saved the league, which was struggling at the time. Even playoff games were tape delayed and crowd attendance was low. What did both of these men bring with them that changed everything?
A rare form of Enthusiasm
What exactly is enthusiasm? It is defined as intense interest in something that brings energy and enjoyment. In the Bible, enthusiasm root concept is to be “full of God”. A couple of words the Bible often uses in place of enthusiasm is whole-heartedness and zeal.
How many of you can honestly say that right now you are so full of God that you have a passionate zeal and intense interest in letting the world now about your Savior? That you have a fervor burning inside you that causes a contagious enthusiasm for living daily in a way that causes others to take notice of the power that is inside you and your love for your King.
David was a man after God’s own heart. Many versus point to the way to pleasing God is having a fervent passionate heart that has the primary goal of seeking a closer relationship with our KING!
I see people getting enthusiastic about many things, but when it comes down to it most are worthless. I have seen fans fight in the stands over their team. They do not even know a single player or coaches personally, but they are willing to fight for them. They cheer, raise their hands, spend tons of money to watch them and wear their gear, yet they have about as much enthusiasm about their walk with Christ as a doormat.
I try to be full of enthusiasm for my King daily. I believe that in order to do that you have to be enthusiastic about life and everything God has blessed you with. As James 1;2 says, you must even consider adversity pure joy.
My wife is a Kid’s Pastor and I watch the young boys come in around 1st grade so enthusiastic about praising God. Whether it is during praise and worship or game time, it really is so easy for the younger kids to join in and show their enthusiasm for Jesus. Not sure why, but the closer they get to 6th grade the more they get concerned with being and looking cool. Only a select few have the boldness to show they enthusiasm they had when they were younger.
I went through the same struggle and I am so thankful that I came out of that valley. The valley of cool is a losing pit. The documentary said the NBA had become a league of cool players who were more concerned with individual accomplishments than helping others do something special. Both Magic and Bird were young passionate players who instead of coming in and conforming to the masses, they brought an ENTHUSIASM that changed the entire NBA forever.
What if you chose to bring that same ENTHUSIASM to your daily spiritual walk? What if you said who cares what others think? What if you just cared what God thinks?
Good is then enemy of Greatness
Luke Warm is the enemy of Hot
& Cool is the enemy of Enthusiasm
I watch often how one older kid influences younger kids to not sit near the front and to not raise your hands or participate during worship, It takes an absolute warrior to beat to your own drum and go against the crowd. God roams the earth looking for those warriors, so He can show up strong in them. Don’t take my words, read His!
Our enthusiasm is a gift we can give our King. What the world thinks is cool is worthless! Play, pray, worship, preach, love, and do all things in a way that let’s Jesus shine through you!