I remember when I discovered this scripture verse. I was writing a note of encouragement to a new friend and was searching God's word for a text that I thought would inspire her. As I read Romans 12:11 I thought it was perfect! She was energetic and enthusiastic and I wanted to motivate her to keep ministering with passion. Instead of writing the entire verse in the card, I just included the reference. After mailing the card, I happened to pick up another Bible translation so I flipped to the book of Romans to see how it was expressed in this text. I was so embarrassed as I started to read, "Quit being lazy!" Oh my goodness, that was not my intent!!! Lesson learned: Always write out the scripture you want to share, or at very least, identify the translation you want the recipient to read!
Zeal is defined as a feeling of strong eagerness; excessive fervor; readiness; prompt willingness; tireless devotion and diligent enthusiasm. It isn't passive, but passionate. It seems to be empowered with an excitement! What ignites feelings of zeal in you? We can be zealous for many things. Sports. Occupation. Recognition. Friendships. Ambition. Success. Social justice. Chocolate. Ice cream. (Those last two are with me in mind.)
As a Christ-follower, am I eager to embrace this energy and enthusiasm over my faith? There isn't anything mediocre or half-hearted about zeal. It isn't causal, but contagious! I long to have zeal for the Lord, serving Him with joy. But, one caution. Paul also warns us in Romans 10:2 that we can actually have misdirected zeal if we aren't careful. In our exuberance, our emotions can also have us running ahead and doing things God had never planned. We can be very sincere, but we can be sincerely wrong. When the fire of zeal gets out of control it can become dangerous. As Spurgeon has said, "Knowledge is the bridle in the mouth of zeal."
Zeal needs to be partnered with wisdom. Proverbs 19:2 tells us, "Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes." Zeal needs to be a Spirit-infused energy that isn't just self-propelled. Zeal and spiritual fervor are not just about being busy or active, nor are they an overflow of personality. Authentic zeal is fueled by the Holy Spirit. Zeal also seems to grow and flourish amid persecution. The zealous are never lukewarm, but actively sharing the gospel that results in lives radically changed.
Let this final thought by Spurgeon stir your zeal as you ask God to increase your hunger for His word, deepen your prayer life, call you to loving obedience, yielding to His Spirit, unashamedly proclaiming His truth, and courageously committing to following the Lord.
"If sinners are zealous in their sins, should not saints be zealous for their God? If the things of time can stir the human passions, should not the realities of eternity have a greater and more tremendously moving force? If these men will spend and be spent, and stretch every nerve and run the race merely for the crown of politics or of ambition, where are we? What idlers, what laggards are we, that we pursue the things of God with but half a heart!"
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