Excited About What?

Some people get excited about things that just don't excite me at all. For example, I've known people who would not let anything keep them from attending an oyster festival. Though I have learned to enjoy some seafood I at one time did not care for, I have still not been able to get excited about oysters. There are those who get excited about a trip to Las Vegas while I get excited about a trip into the mountains or around the water. Some people get excited about big sales, and though I love good deals, I prefer to not have to deal with the pushing crowds.

We do not all get excited about the same things. The reality is we only get excited about either WHAT WE HAVE or WHAT WE WANT. That is why so many do not get excited about Christianity; they either don't have it or they don't want it! Now, it is true some of these people get excited and come unglued when Christianity appears to threaten their way of life or thinking, but what does our life demonstrate that would make Christianity worth getting excited about in a positive way? If Christians live as if they have dined on pickle juice, how can the world ever be expected to see it as worth getting excited about?

Though life is filled with an array of experiences -- both bad and good -- what does the world see us getting excited about? We can find JOY in so many things, but in our discussion during last Sunday evening's Bible class, I shared how the greatest joy I have come to experience is seeing people respond to God's Word and allowing their lives to be changed through becoming united with Christ and surrendering to His Will. Every time I study with people and witness their acceptance of the teaching of Scripture, the JOY I experience is like no other. Why? First of all, because I see God's power and wisdom doing its work. And secondly, because it relates to that which is not only for this life, but for an eternity to come.

Peter wrote. . .
"(3) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, (4) to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, (5) who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (6) IN THIS YOU REJOICE, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, (7) so that the tested genuineness of your faith -- more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire -- may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." ( 1 Peter 1:3-7 ESV)

I can get excited about that! Though we -- like these to whom Peter wrote -- may experience life challenges that refine our faith like silver, we can GREATLY REJOICE! [The Greek word Peter used was "agalliasthe", from "agalliao", meaning "to exult" or "rejoice greatly".] Reborn in Christ into a "living hope" of receiving "an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading", how could we not REJOICE? Yes, that which is nothing like can be offered in this world, we can live excited about that!

Are those around us seeing in us a spirited sense of something worth living for that is truly out of this world? Such an acknowledgement will make a dynamic difference in our disposition of life even in the face of the challenges of this realm. May the excitement never end!

Have a great day BEING A LIVING TESTIMONY OF EXUBERANT JOY IN CHRIST!
Carl

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