Eagerness: The Power of Enthusiastic Pursuit

Eagerness is an impatience or reckless enthusiasm that needs to be balanced with the implications and costs involved. When the novelty of any venture diminishes, it requires ongoing discipline and persistence to see a successful conclusion to that which we commit to (Lk 14:25-33; 2 Cor 8:11).

The Determination to Persevere

Do I have the determination to keep the momentum going after the initial flush of excitement and keenness has waned? David was not reluctant but volunteered to confront Goliath, confident that with God's help he would win (1 Sam 17:48). One passionate person is worth several whose hearts are not committed to a project. The apostle Paul demonstrated remarkable perseverance, writing, "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Phil 3:14).

True eagerness is not merely an emotional response but a deliberate choice to remain committed regardless of circumstances. The writer of Hebrews encourages us to "run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith" (Heb 12:1-2). This kind of steadfast eagerness transforms temporary enthusiasm into enduring dedication that withstands trials, disappointments, and the passage of time.

Eagerness in Following Jesus

When Jesus called the disciples, they eagerly accepted (Mt 4:18-22). The Israelites "sought God eagerly, and He was found by them" (2 Chr 15:15). What an encouragement to us. God wants a deep relationship with us, and if we wholeheartedly seek Him, we will find Him (Jer 29:13). The Berean believers "received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true" (Act 17:11). Their eagerness was not passive acceptance but active engagement with God's Word.

Jesus Himself demonstrated eagerness in His ministry. At the beginning of His public ministry, He declared, "I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I have been sent" (Lk 4:43). His sense of divine purpose fueled His enthusiasm and drove Him forward even when faced with opposition and exhaustion. This same eagerness should characterize our pursuit of God and His kingdom purposes.

The early church provides a powerful example of collective eagerness. After Pentecost, the believers "devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer" (Act 2:42). Their enthusiasm wasn't just emotional excitement but a disciplined commitment to grow together in faith. This communal eagerness created a vibrant, growing movement that transformed their generation.

Eagerness to Share the Gospel

Jesus told two parables about people who were so keen to obtain what was of great value that they sold everything to acquire them (Mt 13:44-46). Paul was so grateful for the salvation he had received and said, "I am so eager to preach the gospel" (Rom 1:15). Am I eager to tell others about Jesus? Jesus Christ gave Himself for us to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good (Tit 2:14). Does this describe me?

The Great Commission should be the driving force behind our eagerness to share the gospel. Jesus commanded His followers to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Mt 28:19), and this mandate should ignite our passion for evangelism. The apostle Peter urges us to "always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have" (1 Pet 3:15). This requires both spiritual preparation and genuine eagerness to share our faith.

Paul's life exemplifies this eagerness in action. Despite facing persecution, imprisonment, and hardship, he remained passionate about spreading the gospel. He wrote, "I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!" (1 Cor 9:16). This sense of divine compulsion transformed his eagerness from mere enthusiasm into an unstoppable force that carried the message of Christ throughout the known world.

Eagerness is a powerful force that, when properly directed, can lead to remarkable spiritual growth and impact. It requires both the initial spark of enthusiasm and the sustained commitment to follow through. When our eagerness is rooted in God's purposes and fueled by His Spirit, it becomes a transformative power that shapes our character, influences others, and advances His kingdom in remarkable ways.

Am I eager to know God in a deeper way?

Reflection and Application:

Consider how eagerness has played a role in your spiritual journey. When have you been most enthusiastic about your faith, and what fueled that eagerness?
Reflect on times when enthusiasm waned and what helped you persevere. What practices or truths helped you regain your spiritual momentum?
Identify areas where you can channel your eagerness more effectively. Are there specific ministries, relationships, or spiritual disciplines that need renewed enthusiasm?
Pray for wisdom to balance enthusiasm with discernment. How can you maintain your zeal while avoiding impulsive decisions or burnout?