Enthusiasm

by Tom Wacaster

Ralph Waldo Emerson has been credited with saying, "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." Our English word is more of a transliteration from the Greek than it is a translation of the word. The Greek, "enthousiasmos" (hear the similarity?), means "possessed or inspired of God." While the word "enthusiasm" does not appear in our English Bibles, the word "zeal" does. In II Kings 10:16, Jehu was sent on a mission to destroy Baal's influence, and he invited a friend to "come with me and see my zeal for the Lord." Paul wrote that we are to be diligent, "fervent in spirit, serving the Lord" (Romans 12:11).

The biblical formula for success is zeal plus knowledge. If either of the two is left out of the formula, it can only lead to ruin. Consider, for example, the danger of zeal without knowledge. Israel had a "zeal for God, but not according to knowledge" (Romans 10:2). When men walk according to how they might "feel in their heart" and ignore plain Bible teaching, they possess misguided zeal. The consequences of this kind of zeal can be catastrophic and do untold harm to the overly zealous one, not to mention those with whom he might come in contact. The Psalmist told us that God's word is a "lamp" and a "light" unto our path (Psalms 119:150). When men have zeal but fail or refuse to abide by God's word, they are likened unto a man running at full speed in a dark room, not knowing where he is going or what obstacles lie in his path.

On the other end of the spectrum are those who possess knowledge but are woefully lacking in zeal. They become complacent in their duties, satisfied with the position they hold, with little concern for whether or not others join them in their belief. Someone has said, "You cannot kindle a fire in any other heart until it is burning within your own." Uninspired writers have commented on the power of enthusiasm:

• "Enthusiasm is that certain something that makes us great - that pulls us out of the mediocre and commonplace - that builds into us Power."
• "Enthusiasm: The maker of friends, the maker of smiles, the producer of confidence."
• "Enthusiasm is the inspiration that makes us wake up and live. It puts spring into our step, a twinkle in our eyes, and gives us confidence in ourselves and our fellow man."
• "Zeal changes a deadpan salesman into a producer, a pessimist into an optimist, and a loafer into a go-getter."

Knowledge less zeal spells lukewarmness, and we know how the Lord feels about lukewarmness (Revelation 3:15-16). Unfortunately, there are many Christians who have their names on the church roll, but who couldn't care less about growth, visitation, personal work, study, prayer, etc. Good intentions often accompany their knowledge, but little is done to see these intentions come to fruition.

One brother was fond of repeating the following phrase: "Upon the plains of hesitation lie the bleached bones of countless millions who, on the threshold of victory, sat down to wait, and waiting, died."