How much enthusiasm do you show in your daily walk as a Christian? It’s rare it seems, to see someone who is enthusiastic and active in sharing the joy they find in Christ. I understand that we are concerned with how people might perceive us or react to us if we are enthusiastic in proclaiming what Christ has done for us. We don’t like to be thought of as “odd” or “different,” so for the most part we approach life and relationships pretty low keyed. Because of that, even if we feel that special link to Christ, we often miss opportunities to share that with others.

    Have you ever wondered what it might be like to get excited about Christ and let it show? I think the following little story illustrates that for us.

    “Before the advent of wireless microphones a preacher was wired for sound with a lapel mike on a long cord. As he preached, he moved briskly about the platform, jerking the mike cord as he went. Then he moved to one side, getting wound up in the cord and nearly tripping before jerking towards him again.

    After several circles and jerks, a little girl in the third pew leaned toward her mother and whispered rather loudly, “If he gets loose, will he hurt us?” (David L. Roper, Judsonia, Ark. Christian Reader, “Kids of the Kingdom).”

    That kind of illustrates the way Satan tethers our hearts far too much of the time, doesn’t it. Oh yes, we may occasionally give it a good jerk to allow us to move in some direction, but we are still chained by Satan and unable to show the joy of Christ in our lives.

    I am reminded of Peter in Acts 8:6ff. Peter was arrested for letting his enthusiasm and conviction be seen, notice what happen: “The night before Peter was to be placed on trial, he was asleep, chained between two soldiers, with others standing guard at the prison gate. Suddenly, there was a bright light in the cell, and an angel of the Lord stood before Peter. The angel tapped him on the side to awaken him and said, “Quick! Get up!” And the chains fell off his wrists. Then the angel told him, “Get dressed and put on your sandals.” And he did. “Now put on your coat and follow me,” the angel ordered. So, Peter left the cell, following the angel.”

    Our hearts might be bound by chains forged by Satan. It might be sin, it might be fear of embarrassment or ridicule and it might even be fear of physical persecution. Sometimes our chains are the people around us, that forge chains with words and actions that keep us from being “loosed to proclaim the love of God”.

    I would suggest to you today first, that what we need to remember is that just like Peter we have the angels of God watching over us. I would remind you second that our real life, the one of a Christian, doesn’t depend upon the things that happen in this physical body to be full of the joy and enthusiasm. Our real life and freedom comes from being in Christ Jesus. Paul wrote in Philippians 1:21, “For me to live is Christ,” how about you? – © MFTH

God bless you all and have a great week,

Michael

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