The English are often thought of as a dour nation, lacking a sense of humour and possessing a somewhat grim sense of duty. Famed for our ‘stiff upper lip’, enthusiasm and excitement are, in this stereotype, frowned upon as evidence of excess which can ruin.
There may be some truth in this stereotype, but the Biblical truth is that joy is a fruit of the Spirit, and seriousness isn’t! Christians are not called to lifeless, dull, stoical living; Jesus described the life He brings as abundant, overflowing, life ‘to the full.’ (John 10:10) Life is vibrant, colourful, joyful. We should be brimful and overflowing with enthusiasm (‘intense and eager enjoyment, interest or approval‘). Christians should be people whose faces and behaviour reflect the character and blessing of God.
Chris Tomlin’s song ‘Father of Lights’ focuses on one verse in the Bible: ‘Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.’ (James 1:17) With deceptive simplicity and truth-reinforcing repetition, the song acknowledges our forgetfulness and urges us to remember the truths that ‘all the best things in this world/ money just can’t buy’ and that ‘if the world didn’t give it, the world can’t take it away.’ The descending bass of the melody reinforces the verse: ‘every good thing in my life comes down from the Father of lights/ down from the Father, down from the Father, down from the Father of lights.’
The Biblical truth that God is the source of every good and perfect gift is one which liberates. It sets us free to enjoy life and praise God (‘who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment’, as 1 Tim 6:17 puts it.) Enthusiasm, Bear Grylls says, ‘sustains you when times are tought, encourages those around you and is totally infectious.’
Let’s be enthusiastic people because we are blessed by God. ‘
