21 June 2023 - Zeal

Zeal is great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective, according to the Oxford Dictionary. Zeal is a focused desire characterized by passion and commitment.

“Zeal is the inward fire of the soul that urges man onward, regardless of the intellectual mind of caution and conservation. It is the mighty force that incites the winds, the tides, the storms; it urges the planet on its course and spurs the ant to greater exertion. It is the urge behind all things.” - Charles Fillmore

Zeal can be expressed in one word, passion. The difference between advancing in life and staying in the same place can often be summed up in one word, that word is passion. Success takes work. Any worthwhile accomplishment will be met with challenges. It is when we face obstacles that passion can drive us to do whatever it takes to win.

Passion is a trait within us. It is a daily commitment. Zeal is a state of being and, if present, shows up in our words and actions. It is the will to do more than others. This willingness sets us apart from those around us.

“Zeal in Christianity is a burning desire to please God, to do His will, and to advance His glory in the world in every possible way. It is a desire, which is not natural to men or women. It is a desire which the Spirit puts in the heart of every believer when they are converted to Christ, however, a desire which some believers feel so much more strongly than others that they alone deserve to be called “zealous” men and women.” - J.C. Ryle

Romans 12:11-16 (AMPC) Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavor; be aglow and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord. Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of God's people ; pursue the practice of hospitality. Bless those who persecute you ; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice , and weep with those who weep . Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty (snobbish, high-minded, exclusive), but readily adjust yourself to and give yourselves to humble tasks. Never overestimate yourself or be wise in your own conceits.

Isaiah 59:17 (NKJV) For He put on righteousness as a breastplate, And a helmet of salvation on His head; He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, And was clad with zeal as a cloak.

God is a zealous God, and He wears zeal as His mantle. He expects us to do the same.

1 Corinthians 15:57-58 (NIV) But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain.

Romans 12:11 says: (AMP) Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavor; be aglow and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord.

This is so basic. Grow your passion for God. Have a daily quiet time, read your Bible, pray, sit still and listen to God’s Spirit. He loves you and wants time with you, His child.