Enthusiasm cannot be purchased, but it can be created. Once created, it becomes one of your greatest assets. When you possess enthusiasm, you possess power. Consider the benefits of enthusiasm.

• Enthusiasm indicates the degree of faith you possess. We are enthused about people and things we have faith in. Faith is a product of knowledge. We cannot believe in something we know nothing about. Knowledge is the result of interest and interest is a product of an active curiosity.
• Enthusiasm produces energy, both physical and emotional. It uncovers talents and abilities that we may not even know exits. It is natural to be zealous for things we are enthusiastic about. When you possess enthusiasm, work is almost part play, no matter how demanding it may be. It makes time pass quickly.
• Enthusiasm is contagious. As Ira North, a gospel preacher, used to say, "Enthusiasm is as powerful as dynamite and as contagious as the measles." And during his lifetime he proved this to be true.
• Enthusiasm offers a "slight edge". For example, two people apply for the same job. Both are well qualified, but one of them radiates sincere enthusiasm. Who do you think will be hired? The one with the slight edge. The "slight edge" works in every area of life.
• Enthusiasm inspires confidence of others in you. After hearing a young preacher my wife remarked how refreshing it was to listen to someone who sounded like he really believed in what he was saying. This is not to say that others do not believe what they say, but there was something special about the way this young man preached. He wasn't the greatest preacher in the world but he was enthusiastic, and it was sincere. When others believe in you, they will accept your ideas. They accept your ideas at first because they see your own enthusiastic belief. Then when they try out your ideas, and receive the same benefits you enjoy, their acceptance is based on their own experience. In the story of the Samaritan woman in John 4, when she became convinced that Jesus was the Messiah, in her excitement, she left her water pot behind at the well and rushed back into the city to tell the people. They came to see and for themselves and many believed, "for the saying of the woman" (v. 39) They accepted her enthusiastic testimony. Verses 41 and 42 say that "many more believed because of his own word. (they went and heard for themselves); and said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying; for we have heard him ourselves..."
• Enthusiasm helps you to overcome obstacles. It helps you to climb mountains. It clears away roadblocks. It does away with feelings of discouragement. It gives you the energy to solve problems. It enlarges your sphere of influence. It causes people to want to share your dreams and your goals and makes them willing to cooperate with you.
• Enthusiasm works wonders. Apply the power of enthusiasm to every facet of your life: to your work, to relationships with your family and friends, to your life as a Christian.

"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might...." (Eccl. 9: 10)