Positive Thinking

This week we have examined biblical characters who were enthusiastic. Let us discuss a few more people outside the Bible who exhibited much enthusiasm

This week we have examined biblical characters who were enthusiastic. Let us discuss a few more people outside the Bible who exhibited much enthusiasm. Positive Thinking "At last the wall was completed to half its height around the entire city, for the people had worked with enthusiasm." (Nehemiah 4:6) Nehemiah, the governor of Jerusalem in the 5th century, is best known for leading the people of Israel to rebuild the broken wall around the city. I have preached through the book of Nehemiah a couple of times and love studying this book. He was a bold, passionate, and enthusiastic leader for sure. God was in him and worked powerfully through him to motivate the people to do the impossible: rebuild the wall in only 52 days. One of many impressive aspects of Nehemiah's life is that he would not let nay-sayers drag him down. His response to those who said he could never rebuild the wall was, "So I sent messengers to them, saying, 'I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?'" (Nehemiah 6:3) This week we have examined a few biblical characters who were enthusiastic. Let us discuss a few more people outside the Bible who exhibited much enthusiasm. 1. Steve Jobs (1955-2011) Though not a follower of Jesus, Jobs was most passionate and enthusiastic for innovation. He was the co-founder of Apple and the powerful influence behind its success. His consuming objective and passion in life was creating technological advancements for the betterment and benefit of our world. I recommend Walter Isaacson's biography entitled, Steve Jobs. I enjoy reading about people of enthusiasm and passion; they inspire me to dream big, live life with fervor, and be enthusiastically committed to the objectives before me. 2. Norman Vincent Peale (1898-1993) Peale was an ordained Methodist minister. He is best known for his book, The Power of Positive Thinking, and in 1984, President Ronald Reagan awarded him the highest civilian honor in our country, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. (Source.) Though I do not agree with all of Peale's theology, I do agree with his positive and enthusiastic outlook on life. He wrote, "So 'enthusiasm' literally means, in its root concept, 'full of God.' Maybe that's why enthusiastic people are so often creative and joyful!" Peal also wrote: The Bible uses several different words for this idea of being filled with enthusiasm: ardor, zeal, whole-heartedness. My personal favorite is "eager". When you are eager, you are enthusiastic about your service to God and others. This idea is taught again and again in the New Testament. We are told to: Be "eager to serve" (1 Peter 5:2) Be "eager for the gifts of the Spirit" (1 Corinthians 14:12) Have an "eager willingness" to finish the work of faith we've begun (2 Corinthians 8:11) Wait in "eager expectation" for God (Romans 8:9) Be "eager to do what is good" (Titus 2:14) So practice enthusiasm. Stop saying the depressing things. Stop saying the discouraging things, the hateful things, the negative things, the critical things. Think enthusiasm! Talk it, live it, pray it, act it! And you will keep enthusiasm going for you every day. "The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this" (Isaiah 9:7). (Source.) 3. Zig Ziglar (1926-2012) Ziglar was such a positive person and brought much joy to so many. He was a motivational, self-help speaker who had the gift to encourage people with his enthusiastic spirit and attitude. One of his most famous quotes was: "For every sale you miss because you're too enthusiastic, you will miss a hundred because you're not enthusiastic enough." Ziglar also said: "Life is too short to spend your precious time trying to convince a person who wants to live in gloom and doom otherwise. Give lifting that person your best shot, but don't hang around long enough for his or her bad attitude to pull you down. Instead, surround yourself with optimistic people." (Source.) Of all the people on the planet, shouldn't the followers of Jesus be positively enthusiastic? Let's do it! Podcast of the Week 10 Principles for Effective Living: Enthusiasm Pastor Danny focuses this episode on the principle of Enthusiasm, discussing the interesting linguistic roots of the word, how this characteristic benefits those who have it and everyone around them, and some inspiring examples of enthusiastic people. Download on iTunes Listen on Stitcher Watch on YouTube Facebook Twitter Instagram Website Spotify SoundCloud Share Tweet Fwd Copyright © 2020 Danny Forshee Evangelistic Association, All rights reserved.