For 37 years, Bob Ufer was the enthusiastic radio voice of University of Michigan football. He delighted listeners with his emotional play-by-play coverage of the Saturday afternoon football games. Anyone who heard him knew at once whose side he was on. The loyal following that Ufer built up through the years indicates how contagious and appealing it is when a person gives himself wholeheartedly to a cause he loves.

That sportscaster's fervor reminds us how natural it is to respond with intensity to something that is close to our hearts. The Scriptures give many examples of men who served the Lord with great enthusiasm.

To mark the return of the ark of the covenant, David laid aside his royal dignity and celebrated in the streets (2 Sam. 6:14). Centuries later, Jesus burned with godly zeal as He chased the money-changers from the temple (Mt. 21:12). And the early church chose men like Stephen because all could see that the Spirit of God was working through them (Acts 6:1-5).

What about us? Do people quickly recognize by our enthusiasm that we love and serve God and are filled with His Spirit? Do our lives give evidence of the wholehearted praise that is called for in Psalm 148?  — Mart De Haan