The Enthusiastic Attitude
Fervent in spirit.
Romans 12:11
One of humanity’s most chronic shortcomings is the lack of individual enthusiasm. Often our failures to achieve what we ought result directly from apathy and lack of commitment. But that should not be true if you’re a Christian.
Enthusiasm requires Spirit–assisted resolve and persistence, not just human–guided good intentions. Henry Martyn, the tireless missionary to India, conducted his ministry with scriptural enthusiasm and fervency. It was his desire to “burn out for God.” And the apostle Paul admonishes us to “not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Gal 6:9).
MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 216). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.
Lessons Learned: We are to live the Christian life diligently and with enthusiasm. A desire to please God should burn within us like a fire ignited by the Holy Spirit. We shouldn't just try to impress others with an outward appearance of righteousness, nor should we modify our behavior only out of a sense of obligation. If we have a right heart, the Holy Spirit will enables us to grow spiritually with passion and fervent desire, and not to grow lazy or complacent.
Applications: Remain diligent in living the Christian life and remain faithful in following spiritual disciplines. Pray with passion for the Holy Spirit to energize me with a desire to live my life in a God pleasing manner. Guard against maintaining disciplines only out of pride, or habit, or duty.
Prayer Subjects: Pray for the Holy Spirit's help and strength to not grow weary, but remain steadfast and passionate about Christ. Pray for renewal and revival each and every day as God teaches me new and exciting lessons from His Word.
Listen to this entry
Romans 12:11
One of humanity’s most chronic shortcomings is the lack of individual enthusiasm. Often our failures to achieve what we ought result directly from apathy and lack of commitment. But that should not be true if you’re a Christian.
Enthusiasm requires Spirit–assisted resolve and persistence, not just human–guided good intentions. Henry Martyn, the tireless missionary to India, conducted his ministry with scriptural enthusiasm and fervency. It was his desire to “burn out for God.” And the apostle Paul admonishes us to “not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Gal 6:9).
MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 216). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.
Lessons Learned: We are to live the Christian life diligently and with enthusiasm. A desire to please God should burn within us like a fire ignited by the Holy Spirit. We shouldn't just try to impress others with an outward appearance of righteousness, nor should we modify our behavior only out of a sense of obligation. If we have a right heart, the Holy Spirit will enables us to grow spiritually with passion and fervent desire, and not to grow lazy or complacent.
Applications: Remain diligent in living the Christian life and remain faithful in following spiritual disciplines. Pray with passion for the Holy Spirit to energize me with a desire to live my life in a God pleasing manner. Guard against maintaining disciplines only out of pride, or habit, or duty.
Prayer Subjects: Pray for the Holy Spirit's help and strength to not grow weary, but remain steadfast and passionate about Christ. Pray for renewal and revival each and every day as God teaches me new and exciting lessons from His Word.
Listen to this entry
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home