Inspire literally means to breath in. Like you would do if you are about to do something crazy, like jump into ice cold water, or jump out of an airplane for the first time. Inspire is a transitive verb, insinuating that you are about to do something.
Inspiration makes you want to do something, as a rule. When you are inspired, there is a follow up. The follow up is usually ushered in with enthusiasm, which literally taken from the greek, means ‘possessed by a god’. Being that there is only one true and wise God, that’s a good thing.
When you are truly inspired by God, you are His child. Better put His possession.
1 Thessalonians 1:3
New International Version
We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
I hear people say, Christmas candles and church music inspire them. Inspired to do what though? If there was no follow up, it really wasn’t inspiring. It might have been pretty. It might have helped you fall asleep. Not inspirational however, if there isn’t any follow up action.
I love inspirational art, music, statues, readings, etc because they make me want to go outside and do something. Mostly, I enjoy being around inspirational people. They make me bounce off the wall with energy and excitement. Inspiration by it’s nature creates enthusiasm. Enthusiasm changes the world around us. Like the definition above, it is almost like we caught what the author of the inspiration had. It’s not only internal, but external.
An enthusiastic pastor or salesman is a joy to watch, because you catch their joy. It possess you, you want whatever it is that they are pitching. They believe what they are saying, and you catch that belief.
Enjoying inspired enthusiasm is good for the soul. Whatever is good and pure, embrace it, and it will embrace you.
We hope you had a Merry Christmas, surrounded by your friends and loved ones. Most importantly, that you inspired others and shared your enthusiasm about Jesus Christ with them. Christians aren’t supposed to fish in a fish bowl, but in the vast ocean of humanity, where Christ’s love can spread like a wild fire through our love, inspiration and enthusiasm.
Take a deep breath, and plunge into a New and Exciting year. Be inspired to Go Tell It On The Mountain!
Dean Peters