A man was doing a survey for a research company and he knocked on a door. The resident came to the door. The man said, “I’m doing research. I would like to know what you think the worst problem in America is: ignorance or apathy.” The man said, “I don’t know and I don’t care.” And slammed the door.
Young people are notorious for answering the question “what are you doing?” with the response: “Nothing.” But this problem is certainly not limited to just young people or millennials. There are many, many people who do nothing and are very apathetic about their lives. From a financial standpoint, these tend to be the people who have no ambition and they live just above the “emergency” line, spending every dime they get with no savings and no emergency fund. Then when a crisis happens, they have no money and they get stressed. But their stress is caused by their apathy.
People do the same thing with their emotional and psychological health. They are the ones who suffer from “FOMO,” the fear of missing out. And they stay busy doing one thing after another, not realizing that they are draining themselves and their energy. Then, when a crisis happens, they snap. But the “snap” originates from the fact that they are not staying focused on one or a very few things and allowing themselves to rest and relax and rejuvenate mentally, psychologically, and spiritually.
We need, however, to make sure that we serve God enthusiastically and that we leave energy for God. How many Christians either wear themselves out on a Saturday or stay awake late Saturday night and then do not have the health to come to worship or even concentrate in worship on Sunday? Aren’t we robbing God while serving ourselves when we do that?
One of my dad’s favorite quotations was Ecclesiastes 9:10: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.”
The apostle Paul wrote something similar: “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord” (Rom. 12:10-11).
Enthusiasm will motivate us to pursue goals and even to reach them. Enthusiasm can help us motivate others and make positive impressions on others. Enthusiasm can change our own attitude and the attitudes of those around us. Enthusiasm can give us confidence to meet the challenges ahead. Enthusiasm can help us deal with doubts and fears. Enthusiasm can strengthen our appreciation for life. Enthusiasm can help us get closer to God.
“Enjoy serving the Lord, and he will give you whatever you ask for” (Psalm 37:4).
Paul Holland
