Like One Possessed?

Several years ago, I briefly met a man on the bus that carried me from the airport terminal to the parking lot.  His attitude was infectious! He was wearing a big smile, so I asked him what he was up to.  He is a welder who is dispatched around the country to fix the machinery built by the company which employs him.   He was dressed just like he'd come from the shop, with well worn work boots and his hat on backwards; his hands still showing signs of wrestling machinery and grease.  

He proudly told me that he was 'the number one welder' for the company, just returning from a trip to Tennessee where he had fixed some machine with 'gears this big,' he held his arms wide.   The man loves life!   "Been at this for 28 years, and I know what I'm doing!" he declared with a hearty laugh, holding up his hands with as much pride as if he had just won a national award for discovering the cure for cancer.  He brought so much enthusiasm to that bus that soon the weary travelers on that bus were chatting about their travels and work.  

That word ‘enthusiasm’ is transliterated from ancient Greek. The word  ‘enthousiazein’ meant:  to be inspired by a god. Those who were full of excitement, who created joy in the world where they lived, were said to be full of God!  Christian, that is literally true of us. God’s Spirit lives in us. Are we so full of the Spirit that we change the world we live with a quality of life that is seen to be inspired?  Do we love radically, stay steady when storms come, keep our word, hope for the best, and forgive quickly?  If God fills us, then the answer will be ‘yes!’

Start a new habit that carves some extra time into your morning when you invite the Holy Spirit to fill you with His Presence. Instead of dragging yourself out of bed, pouring a cup of coffee down your throat, and grumbling your way to work; change your pattern to give Him some time to do His work in you.  Yes, it will demand real intention. You may have to get up earlier than your kids to find 15 minutes of quiet with Him. You might have to leave a little earlier to have some time alone with the Lord in the car before you walk into the shop or office. You may have to wean yourself from that daily dose of news and noise that usually fills up your home.  Focus on being ‘full of God,’ enthused!

Enthusiasm is not just an attitude. It is an overflow. Do you know what that word implies?  Passion! Enthusiastic people invest effort doing what they do like nobody else could do it.  Imagine what the world would be like if everyone did what they do with that kind of effort. Spirit-filled people take God's creative power, His joy in making this world, as their model for life and they inhale His presence. "Come on, Jerry" some of you are thinking.  "Get real.  If I did that where I work, people would think I'd lost my mind.  My job is grind.  I am unappreciated.  I am invisible."    If you are thinking that, I think you have a challenge to change the situation!  Don't wait for someone else; take the initiative, for God's sake!  

Consider this - a delivery person has a fairly invisible job, right? The UPS man who brings our packages to the church office always makes our day better. John has taken time to learn our names, to greet us, and to do the best job possible, without complaint.    He is enthusiastic about delivering our office supplies!   Not only are we blessed with great service, he benefits too.   His day is brightened by the human warmth that returns to him because of his attitude.  

Christian, you honor the Lord when you do what you do without complaint, with joy, to the best of your abilities - as though you were working directly for Jesus Christ Himself.  I propose an experiment...   Try to live in this way consistently for the next couple of weeks.   Pray all the way to work - for a Spirit-filled heart and mind, for an attitude of joy, for creativity, for humility that says, "I'll do whatever it takes, no matter what others do."  See what happens as you are enthused - full of God!

Here is the word from the Word -"Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light." (Colossians 1:10-12, NLT)

___________

There's nothing worth more, that will ever come close; 
No thing can compare, 
You're our living hope,Your Presence, Lord.

 I've tasted and seen of the sweetest of loves 
Where my heart becomes free and my shame is undone
 In Your Presence Lord.

Holy Spirit, You are welcome here!
 Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere!
 Your glory, God, is what our hearts long for,
 To be overcome by Your Presence Lord.

 Let us become more aware of Your Presence.
 Let us experience the glory of Your goodness (Lord).

Holy Spirit
 Bryan Torwalt | Katie Torwalt © 2011 Capitol CMG Genesis (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Jesus Culture Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)

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