Enthusiasm  (En Theos)- part 3.

“Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically. Be glad for all God is planning for you.” Romans 12:11-12. NLT.

Benjamin Whichcote said, “the devil often finds works for them who find none for themselves.”

Our today’s Bible insight says, “Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically. Be glad for all God is planning for you.” Did it ever dawn on you that God has big and excellent plans already laid out for your life? God fulfill his plans for your life through your work. Usually, it is through the hard work,  you earn a living, fulfill God’s plan in serving others. (1st Thessalonians 2:9).

Jesus Christ said, “I will build my church, and the gates of the Hades will not overpower it.” (Matthew 16:18). As promised he began building his Church on the day of Pentecost by the permanent arrival of the Holy Spirit into this world (Acts 2). The Church started with seven disciples and later increased to 120 people (Acts 1:15). In Acts 2 after the great preaching of Peter the number rose to over 3,000 (Acts 2:41). And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved (Acts 2:47). By the time we read Acts 4:4 the number of male believers in Christ increased to 5000. When you consider women and children it could be 10,000 or more. Chapter 6:1 says the number of disciples was growing in number and the need for help in serving the people of God was pressing as an issue. Such fantastic growth was the result of the enthusiastic preaching and teachings of the disciples. They took the Gospel with them wherever they went. They could not be silent after seeing and experiencing the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ.

Beloved, from just seven disciples and later 120, 3000 and 5,000 now the Church spread all over the world in all continents and countries. There are several works and opportunities in the Church today. Bible says in the immediately preceding context of today’s Bible verse that “just as there are many parts to our bodies, so it is with Christ’s body. The church is portrayed as Christ’s body in the Bible; He is the head of the Church. Bible says in Colossians 1:18(a) that Jesus Christ is the head of the Church.

The church has only one head according to the Bible, and that is Jesus Christ and no other heads. The Church leaders always should keep this in mind. The congregation should remember to follow Jesus Christ as the only head of the Church, and the first allegiance of the believers must be to Jesus Christ. Second only to the Christian leaders who emulate Christ and His word (Bible) in their life and witness.

In Christ’s body, which is the Church, there are many parts. It is like different parts of our body. All believers in Christ are parts of his body, the Church. It takes every part of our body to make it complete. In the same way, it takes every one of us in the Church to make it complete. Each one of the believers in Christ has different work to do. We belong to each other, and we need all the other believers for the proper function.

Now, this is how it works. The Lord gives spiritual gifts to each of the believers. Spiritual gifts vary – serving, teaching, giving, preaching, administration, kindness, and generosity, helping others, encouraging/comforting others are included in these gifts. (Romans 12:4-8 and Ist Corinthians 12). Each believer has at least one gift. Some may have more than one gifts. It is the Holy Spirit who sovereignly distributes the spiritual gifts as He wills. (1st Corinthians 12:11) NASB. It is the Lord’s will that you recognize your spiritual gift/gifts and serve the Lord enthusiastically. God has a good plan with your unique gifts. You should not neglect or ignore the spiritual gift he gave you. Be glad for all God is planning for you when you exercise your spiritual gifts with enthusiasm.

One day, shortly, after the rapture of the Church, when you are in heaven with Him, all believers in Christ including you will stand in front of the judgment seat of Christ to give an account of the gifts He gave you. It is a sober thought. You do not be worried about another believer because you do not have a give account for them. However, you will provide an account of your gifts, and I will give an account of my gifts. (2 Corinthians 5:10 and 1st Corinthians 3:12-15). You can gain 30, 60 and 100 fold with the gifts Lord entrusted in you, while you live on this earth. You will get the appreciation and great rewards that lasts all through the eternity, from the Lord and He will comment, “well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” (Matthew 25:23).

Beloved, meanwhile, there are numerous works to be done inside and outside the Church. Two days ago we studied whatever you do, do it ‘enthusiastically’ as if you are doing to the Lord, not to men. Yesterday we talked about the ‘enthusiasm’ for spreading the Gospel. Today, are you ‘enthusiastic’ about the spiritual gift the Lord gave you? What are you doing with your uniquely given talent? TPT translates our today’s insight, “Be enthusiastic to serve the Lord, keeping your passion toward him boiling hot!” When you step out and start doing what Lord wants you to do (which you know by your gift), then only you start discovering the great things He prepared in advance for you to do. (Ephesians 2:10c).

Got a moment for today’s prayer? “Father in heaven, I thank you for the spiritual gift you gave me in your sovereign will. I understand you have laid out a good and beautiful plan with it. Help me Lord to serve you with enthusiasm using my allotted gift. I am glad for all the things you have planned for me. I praise you and worship you. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen.”