Above Rubies Daily Encouragement Blogs
WHERE IS OUR ZEAL?
Men, if we have no zeal, we are like gasoline without octane. What man wants to drive a car that has no "get up and go"? Come on! Sluggishness is definitely something we men cannot stand when it comes to driving cars or working any kind of machinery, including computers.
Some may thank that zeal sounds a little fanatical, but the truth is that most of us could do with a bit more of it! Some, a lot more of it!
True zeal spurns compromise, especially when it comes to principles. Jesus acted with zealous fanaticism to cleanse the house of God. John 2:17 tells us that it was zeal that motivated his actions.
If it's okay for communists, socialists, progressives, and Islamics to be zealots, what about Christians?
The Greek word for "zeal" is zecos meaning "heat, ardor, fervent mind." It's most important for us men to be zealous for our families, our homes, our principles, our work or career, and most important of all, our service to God. A man without zeal will tend to be overly casual. He will be a "moocher" (Do you know this word? We use it in New Zealand and Australia for loitering about aimlessly.)
A man lacking zeal is like trying to drag around a heavy weight. He has no spring in his step, no oomph in his personality, no twinkle in his eye, and no passion for anything. He is like a dead man walking. He is a bore to be around, a fire without heat, a drag on society. This is not the man being created into the image and likeness of God (Romans 8:29).
THE DEVIL CREATES ZOMBIES. GOD CREATES MEN WITH FIRE IN THEIR BONES.
Zeal knows no apathy. It deplores laziness and slackness. It believes in creativity, enthusiasm, and a job well done. Zeal cannot tolerate sitting around and accomplishing nothing (mooching!)
Zeal loves motivation. It rejoices in challenges. It will fight for what is right.
Seven times the Bible mentions God possessing and acting with zeal. Zeal is a great motivator. If God uses it to get things done, so should we. Isaiah 9:7 says, "The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this."
Be encouraged.
Colin Campbell
