ENTHUSIASM

Enthusiasm is defined as :

Great excitement for or interest in a subject or cause;

A source or cause of great excitement or interest;

Ardent or lively interest or eagerness;

An object of keen interest;

Ecstasy arising from supposed possession by a god or Obsolete possession or inspiration by a god.

Enthusiasm first appeared in English in 1603 with the meaning "possession by a god." The source of the word is the Greek enthousiasmos, which ultimately comes from the adjective entheos, "having the god within," formed from en, "in, within," and theos, "god. Originally, an enthusiast was a person possessed by a god.

I like this definition, possessed by a god, obsolete possession or “having the god within”. If we have 'God within', should we not have a great excitement or interest? If we do not, then perhaps we have not fully surrendered to the 'possession of god'. If something is obsolete, it can no longer be used and to be possessed is to be owned, controlled or governed. So, to be obsolete possessed by god should mean that you can no longer be used for anything else as you are controlled and governed by God! Wow! I would love to be able to say that I am truly controlled and governed by God or his Holy Spirit.

Praise God, there is still hope for me. He is not finished with me yet. How do we get to this place of obsolete possession which will be reflected in our enthusiasm. “By their fruits you will know them” Obsolete possession bears much fruit . 'Enthusiasm' being a product of such fruit. Enthusiasm is a volcano on whose top never grows the grass of hesitation —Kahlil Gibran

"Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm," said the very quotable Ralph Waldo Emerson, who also said, "Everywhere the history of religion betrays a tendency to enthusiasm."

During the 18th century, popular Methodists such as John Wesley or George Whitefield were accused of blind enthusiasm (i.e. fanaticism), a charge against which they defended themselves by distinguishing fanaticism from "religion of the heart." Socrates taught that the inspiration of poets is a form of enthusiasm. Poetry is also known as a “Divine madness” Its uses were confined to a belief in religious inspiration, or to intense religious fervour or emotion. Thus, a Syrian sect of the 4th century was known as the Enthusiasts. They believed that "by perpetual prayer, ascetic practices and contemplation, man could become inspired by the Holy Spirit, in spite of the ruling evil spirit, which the fall had given to him".

Oh, to be called or known as an Enthusiast for God! Consider this, would you really want it? Or do you prefer to be more conservative? Did God call us to be conservative? Being conservative can also bring about compromise. There is no place for compromise with the things of God!

So, let's cultivate enthusiasm! Let us become more enthusiastic about Him and his ways. Let us get excited all over again, each and every day. Become inspired anew. Every new day brings new opportunities, new surprises, new experiences and unlimited possibilities to explore. Become expectant, excited and enthusiastic. The Ancient of Days, God Almighty, He who placed everything in it's place or order, The King of the universe is your Father! That should be enough reason to be enthusiastic! Let us look forward to a new day with Him! His intentions towards you are always good. Live Enthusiasticly!