What are you enthusiastic about?

We all know a few folks who are really enthusiastic about something. That thing may be a sport, job, possession, money, hobby, etc., but, no matter which of these things it is, they are really "fired up" about it and show it. They talk about it, spend lots of time on it, and almost "build their world around it." In other words, when a person really shows enthusiasm, we see their life is pretty well filled with the object of their enthusiasm. Is there anything people say, or you realize, you are enthusiastic about? Is your life largely occupied by any particular thing to the exclusion of others? If so, you probably think it's okay, because you're not bothering anyone, but I want to show you it's a form of idolatry. To see that, we need to check the etymology (that branch of study that deals with the history and origin of words) of enthusiasm:

Enthusiasm Origin:
1570–80; < LL enthūsiasmus < Gk enthousiasmós, equiv. to enthousí(a) possession by a god (énthous, var. of éntheos having a god within, equiv. to en- en- ² + -thous, -theos god-possessing + -ia y³ ) + -asmos, var., after vowel stems, of -ismos -ism

Do you see what I mean? When something "really moves you", or occupies your time, effort, and/or money to a large extent, you are in effect, possessed by it. God is supposed to have that place in our lives, we are to be possessed by Him, yet most will, if being honest, have to admit that's not the case. Little of our time, effort, and/or money is spent on God and His kingdom, we are not enthused by Him.

God does not say you cannot enjoy things in life, but HE does say: Thou shalt have no other gods before me. (Exodus 20:3 (KJV) The first of what we call the "ten commandments" states we are to be enthused by Him, HE is to have first place in our lives. I ask you, right now, to consider your daily life, and look at what you are enthusiastic about. If you find God doesn't rank number one on that list, confess that to Him, ask His forgiveness, and ask His help in keeping Him number one in your life. You will find that Matthew 6:33 becomes real and true, for it says: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33 (KJV) HE will give you more joy than anything else can possibly do, and you will find His provision is more than abundant, as you become enthusiastic about Him. Get "en theos", give God first place.