Christians should be the happiest, most enthusiastic people on earth. In fact, the word enthusiasm comes from a Greek word, entheous which means “God within” or “full of God.”
Smiling—being happy and enthusiastic—is always a choice and not a result. It is a decision that must be consciously made. Enthusiasm and joy and happiness will improve your personality and people’s opinion of you. It will help you keep a proper perspective on life.
Helen Keller said, “Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow.”
The bigger the challenge you are facing, the more enthusiasm you need. Philippians 2:5 (NIV) says, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.”
I believe Jesus was a man Who had a smile on His face, a spring in His step, and joy on His countenance.
Our attitude always tells others what we expect in return. A smile is a powerful weapon. It can even break the ice.
You’ll find that being happy and enthusiastic is like a head cold—it’s very, very contagious. A laugh a day will keep negative people away.
You will also find that as enthusiasm increases, stress and fear in your life will decrease. The Bible says the joy of the Lord is our strength (Neh. 8:10).
Many people say, “Well, no wonder that person is happy, confident, and positive; if I had his job and assets, I would be too.”
Such thinking falsely assumes that successful people are positive because they have a good income and lots of possessions. But the reverse is true. Such people probably have a good income and lots of possessions as a result of being positive, confident, and happy.
Enthusiasm always motivates to action. No significant accomplishment has ever been made without enthusiasm.
In John 15 we have a promise from the Lord:
If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
(John 15:10-11 NIV)
The joy and love of the Lord are yours—so smile!
Excerpt permission granted by Insight Publishing
John Mason is an international bestselling author, minister, publisher, executive author coach, and noted speaker. He’s the founder and president of Insight International and Insight Publishing Group. Both organizations are dedicated to helping people reach their dreams and fulfill their God-given destinies.
He has authored thirty-two books including An Enemy Called Average, You’re Born An Original—Don’t Die A Copy, Let Go of Whatever Makes You Stop, and Know Your Limits Then Ignore Them which have sold over 2 million copies and are translated into 40 different languages throughout the world. His books are widely regarded as a source of godly wisdom, scriptural motivation, and practical principles. His writings have been published twice in Reader’s Digest along with numerous other national and international publications. Seven of his books have reached number one on Amazon bestseller lists.
He’s been the president of two Christian publishing companies. He’s also a former Vice President and Publisher for Thomas Nelson Publishers (Harper Collins), the 6th largest book publisher in the world and largest Christian publisher.
He’s an internationally recognized executive author coach, helping numerous prominent authors with their books for more than thirty years. Politicians, NBA, NFL, PGA, MLB, an Olympic gold medalist and other professional athletes, billionaires, businesspeople, pastors, ministers, New York Times bestselling authors, a Fortune 500 CEO, Navy SEALs, Top Gun pilots, and a Texas governor have all benefitted from his knowledge.
Known for his quick wit, powerful thoughts, and insightful ideas, he is a popular speaker across the US and around the world.