Get Excited!
John M. Buttrey II
There are many things in life which excite us. Listen to the shouts of excitement from the home town fans when their team wins a game. At a concert, listen to sounds of excitement when the band plays their fans’ favorite song. On a smaller scale, listen to the excitement as a couple becomes engaged.
Life is full of exciting experiences. From roller coaster rides, to movie releases, to reunions with old friends, or to simply reading a compelling book, the exciting moments of life fill us with an energetic enthusiasm.
In our energetic enthusiasm, we cannot wait to share our excitement with others. If we were at the big game, or the concert, we want to tell others and get them excited about it also. If we were the ones who got engaged, our excitement cannot be contained.
Sadly, we are often more excited about worldly experiences than spiritual ones. Think about it. When was the last time you felt genuine excitement about being a Christian? Chances are good you felt excitement when you were baptized. No doubt you shared the exciting news with others. However, since that time, have you continued to share your faith with others? Other than the time of your baptism, have you ever been so excited about being a Christian that your enthusiasm was shared with others?
It is strange how we can get so excited about sporting events, movies, restaurants, and concerts, and yet lack excitement as Christians. Please allow me to remind you of some exciting aspects to our being Christians.
Get Excited: We Are Saved!
One of the most exciting things about being a Christian is that we are saved! “He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.” Mark 16:16 Emphasis Mine) “‘And it shall be that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’” (Acts 2:21 Emphasis Mine)
Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. (Romans 5:9 Emphasis Mine) It was in the realization of his salvation that the Ethiopian eunuch went on his way rejoicing (Acts 8:39). Hopefully, unlike many of us, his excitement continued.
Get Excited: Others Can Be Saved!
There is always great excitement when someone obeys the Gospel! We can feed on this excitement more often if we will seek to lead others to the truth. The Christians of the New Testament were excited about sharing their faith.
“Therefore, those who had been scattered went about preaching the word.” (Acts 8:4)
I read excitement in those words. Yes, they were experiencing severe persecution. Still, they were resolved to share the good news of salvation with others. That’s the thing about excitement. Nothing will keep you from sharing your exciting news. Excitement is hard to contain. How exciting would it be for you to see a friend or family member obey the Gospel? Imagine how the two of you could then share your excitement with others!
Get Excited: We Can Talk to God in Prayer!
It is exciting to know that the Creator will take the time to listen to our needs! We are told:
“Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)
Paul tells us we are to pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17). In everything we are to pray and give thanks (Phil 4:6). In other words, God wants to hear from us. Isn’t that exciting? Furthermore, John tells us:
“This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” (1 John 5:14 Emphasis Mine)
Prayer should always be an exciting part of our lives as Christians. The answers to our prayers are often even more exciting!
Get Excited: We Have Each other!
God never intended for us to be all alone as His children. We work together in the Lord with others who share our faith. Among our spiritual family, we find support for the difficulties of life. Paul said it well:
“And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.” (1 Corinthians 12:26)
I know there are times when we might let each other down, or moments when we will fail to be all we should be as a spiritual family. However, it should be exciting to know we are not alone as Christians. We have a blessed fellowship with other believers!
Get Excited: There is So Much More!
Obviously, there are many more exciting things that could be listed: Love, hope, joy, faith, peace, heaven, the resurrection, the Bible, worship, singing, giving, helping others, mercy, forgiveness, grace, God's patience, Bible classes, blessings, blessings, blessings...
Excited?
