This month, our character focus is Enthusiasm. The operational definition of enthusiasm is “Fervently expressing with my soul the joy of my spirit.”

Enthusiastic Christians recognize God’s work in and around them. Their excitement bubbles over through energetic conversations, facial expressions, and voice inflections. Their decisions and actions inspire others to Godliness. They enjoy fellowship with God throughout the day and are often seen smiling and singing of God’s goodness. Nothing can replace this genuine, spontaneous, exuberant result of abiding in Christ.

The opposite of enthusiasm is apathy. Apathy means that instead of being eager and interested, you are indifferent and unconcerned. Apathetic people ignore the needs of those around them. They do not want to participate in the family’s ministry to the nursing home. They roll their eyes and shrug their shoulders when a job is assigned to them. They are not moved by the missionaries’ reports at church. They are easily bored. If you find yourself feeling apathetic about things that matter to the Lord, ask Him to show you what has come between you and Him. “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit” (Psalm 51:10–12).