"Let's Give It Up" For Christ!

A few years ago, host Ryan Seacrest would introduce certain guest artists on the popular show, "American Idol." In his introduction, Ryan would say, "Let's give it up" for whoever the specific guest entertainer was.

The "Let's give it up" phrase, was designed to encourage folks not to restrain their enthusiasm or applause for either the famous or the not-so-famous musical artist who was about to perform on stage.

Similarly, as members of the Lord's church, we too are admonished to "Let's give it up" for Christ — not in the form of worldly applause, but having a zeal (enthusiasm or fervor) to accomplish what the Lord has directed us to accomplish (Acts 18:24-25; cf. Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16).

The Scriptures also tell us to "Let's give it up" for:

1) God (Acts 22:3; Romans 10:2 - note the term "zeal" or "zealous").

2) Good works (Titus 2:14 - note the term "zealous"; cf. Ephesians 2:10).

Dear reader, we are supposed to be enthusiastic for the Lord's cause (note the phrase, "fervent in spirit" - Acts 18:24-25; Romans 12:11). Many times, the world drowns out any spiritual enthusiasm we might have through its ungodly influence (Matthew 13:22; cf. 1 Timothy 6:6-9; 2 Timothy 4:10).

Let us not allow the world to come between us and our Lord, but daily renew our minds with the transforming power of God's Word and will for our lives (Romans 12:2; cf. Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:1-10; 1 Peter 1:13-22).

"Let's give it up" for Christ! (1 Corinthians 15:58).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets