Enthusiasm in Church. I can hear some of you thinking, “We all worship differently. Some are just more demonstrative or emotional than others. After all, it’s not about ‘feelings.’” Somewhere along the way, too many of us have been told that the depth of one’s relationship with Christ is determined by how loudly we sing or how high we lift our hands. And there are those on the other end of the spectrum who are adamant that how we worship in no way reflects our commitment to Christ and that our relationship with Him should not be judged by our emotion, or lack thereof.
I think I’m a pentecostal at heart when it comes to outwardly expressing my joy for the Lord, although I am an all-in member of a Wesleyan holiness denomination where dancing in the aisles hasn’t been an identifying characteristic for many decades. When I was a little girl, the occasional senior citizen would wave a hanky from time to time and an interjecting shout of an “Amen” could be heard throughout the pastor’s sermon. But for the most part in the 21st century, an onlooker would likely describe my denomination’s worship service as being quite unemotional with only a spattering of hands lifted, a few here and there swaying to the music, and a “m-hmm” of agreement which only the closest dozen or so people could hear. That is a wide brushstroke, I know. What I just described is, in actuality, only true for the average American church in our denomination.
This is where things get interesting. What does a typical church service look like in other parts of the world? My son recently arrived home from a mission trip to Central America. He described our sister churches being filled with joy and excitement. Nothing like the tame experience of their North American neighbors. How about the village churches which meet under baobab trees all across Africa? There is definitely dancing involved. Even the persecuted church, although held in whispers under the darkness of night, there is a fervency and an excitement because they recognize God is alive and working in their midst. Where is the church growing in the world? It’s not in Anglo churches where every detail in the order of service is neat and tidy. It’s where there is enthusiasm. Enthusiasm for the lost. Enthusiasm for the grace of God. Enthusiasm in the power of prayer. Enthusiasm for eternal hope by those who live their earthly lives in poverty and persecution. There is something to be said about enthusiasm.
The Apostle Paul said to the believers in Achaia “your enthusiasm has stirred most of them (their Macedonian brothers and sisters) to action” (2 Corinthians 9:2). Enthusiasm stirs to action. Our own enthusiasm can stir ourselves to action and it can stir others to action.
There is definitely a difference between an artificial pharisaical outward expression and genuine heartfelt passion for the things of the Lord. Enthusiasm, energy and joy should never be manufactured. If you are one who is content with barely moving your lips to the songs, standing stoically anticipating when the okay will be given to sit down, and not getting “involved” in the various aspects of the worship service, may I challenge you to do a heart evaluation? The very Word of God is “living and active” (Hebrews 4:12). Should the realization that God is actively interacting with us through His Word not stir us? Is it possible to sing about Christ’s sacrifice for us and not be humbled to overwhelming gratitude? Can one pass the offering plate, or pray, or partake in any number of forms of worship without being moved with adoration, anticipation, and enthusiasm? If we were to be plucked up from our seats and set into a service in most any other part of the world, would we feel out of place? If so, could it be because Christ-followers around the world have a joy and enthusiasm exuding from them that many us lack and have never experienced?
I don’t always feel like brushing my teeth when all I’m wanting to do is collapse into bed, but I do it anyway. I don’t always feel like actively participating in church when I walk in the doors emotionally and physically spent from a difficult week, but He deserves my very best and I give it anyway. Sometimes the smallest act of offering--raising my feeble hand--is just the spark that ignites what becomes an outpouring of my affection for Christ. Do it. Surrender your comfort. Sacrifice self for His sake. Raise that hand. Sing out a bit louder. Think the words of the prayer from the pulpit as if they were coming from your heart and mind. Engage. Don’t miss a word or an opportunity to be enthusiastic over what Christ has made possible for you...becoming a new creation destined for eternity with Him! Now THAT is something to be enthusiastic about!
Just like the believers in Achaia, your enthusiasm may be just what your brother or sister across the aisle needs to stir them into action. Enthusiasm in church: it’s contagious and may be more important and powerful than we may ever know.
