I’m sharing another quote from my second reading of Luther’s Commentary on Galatians (reading the Pelikan translation, this time).
Speaking of the character of Germans, Luther writes:
Whatever we do, we are always very ardent at the beginning; but when the ardor of our initial feelings is spent, we soon lose our enthusiasm. We give up on things and completely reject them as impetuously as we undertake them. When the light of the Gospel first began to appear after the great darkness of human traditions, many listened eagerly to sermons. But now that the teaching of religion has been successfully reformed by the great growth of the Word of God, many are joining the sects, to their destruction. Many despise not only Sacred Scripture but almost all learning.
I don’t know whether Luther has captured German character or if it holds in the same way today, but his description holds true for mankind in general. In many (most?) parts of my life and ministry, I see myself starting projects with ardor but then losing enthusiasm, sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. That’s where duty and faithfulness come into the picture. Enthusiasm may wane, but many things must be done, without becoming slack and throwing in the towel or leaving behind the good for the worse:
Following Christ
Pursuing holiness
Prayer
Scripture Reading
Fulfilling Vows
Disciplining Children
Repenting
Loving your wife, children
Presbytery work
Preaching/Teaching
Providing
…on and on the list could go…
I’m very thankful that God’s enthusiasm never wanes: “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6).