Seek God With Enthusiasm

        Football is a huge deal this time of year, even more than during the regular season, given the play off championships and upcoming super bowl.  In the stadium, are devoted fans who will attend in inclement weather, including a bitter cold snow storm or pouring down rain.  Some come costumed in the colors of the team toting huge signs cheering on their favorite player.  They scream and holler sometimes in jubilation; other times in anger. 

            On the field, each player faces off against his opponent with full determination to move (or block-depending if they are the offense or defense) the ball up or down the field with the ultimate goal to make a touchdown and having the highest score at the end of the game.  It takes dedication, determination and focus.  

            Young children can also demonstrate that kind of determination, dedication and focus, when they want to accomplish a goal.  They will put their heart and soul into the task until it is finished.  Yet, when as parents, we ask them to clean their room, clear the table or any other “chore” they dislike, they will often grumble, complain, pout and work slowly until the dreaded task is finished.  They ultimately complete the job but with less than optimal enthusiasm and often the job isn’t finished to your expectations! 

            There are times, I find myself in a similar situation.  When there is a task before me I’d rather not tackle, I’ll drag my feet a little.  I’m not a major procrastinator, but usually prefer to finish the unwanted task just to get it out of the way!

            Sometimes I believe we approach our faith this way, too.  We reach for our Bible with less than genuine enthusiasm and pray with less than honest sincerity.  Our intentions are honest enough, but other issues in our life crowd out the “quality” time we offer to God.  Our efforts are like King Amaziah in 2 Chronicles who did the right thing, but not with his whole heart.  We may do the right thing, but also, not with our whole heart.  We give piece meal because that’s all the time we allow. 

The sad thing is, when we don’t seek God with enthusiasm or with our whole heart we’ve not only cheated ourselves, but God because we give less than we are capable, therefore hindering our relationship with our Savior.   We’ve also curbed the ability to witness to others because we aren’t capable to receive the “meat” of God’s Word, when we’ve limited our time with Him.  We are unable to absorb those “vital nutrients” that allow for strength and growth much like the physical food with which we feed our bodies.

I challenge you to consider how much enthusiasm you demonstrate in worship, in conversation with friends, neighbors and family members, about your faith.  Can others see you’re a “fan” of Jesus like they can see (or hear) your devotion to a sports team?

We’re in a brand new year.  This is the perfect time to begin new practices and face challenges head on.  Take your Bible off the shelf, delve deep into the “golden nuggets” written as love letters to each of us, and grow your Spiritual life! 

Happy New Year’s, Everyone!