Be Zealous
Zeal is defined as the “fervour for a person, cause, or object; eager desire or endeavor; enthusiastic diligence; ardor.”
The early church certainly was zealous (Acts 2:42-47). Their holy zeal resulted in adding to their numbers daily. From their fervent preaching and heartfelt service, the early church exploded with new believers.
Have you ever longed for that same experience? Have you ever desired to have the love for outreach and the zeal they had at Pentecost?
But we might be zealous for the wrong things: building our own little kingdom at the expense of the things that really matter in life.
People also get so excited about sports. They will shout until they are hoarse. They will brave the rain to go watch a game. Other people will stand in line for hours for tickets to a movie or a concert. These fans are so excited and passionate, or they would never spend their time and money this way.
Everyone Is zealous about something.
All people have an innate desire to be passionate. Being passionate makes us excited and makes us come alive. Suddenly life has meaning and purpose.
We are to be zealous. Having zeal that is transformed by Jesus Christ. Being those who put Jesus first. Being those who allow that zeal to overflow into compassion and concern for other people.
The word “enthusiasm” comes from a composite of two Greek words, en and theos that means “in God.” Enthusiasm really means “God in you.” A person who is enthusiastic is “full of God.” Christians should be the most enthusiastic people in the world.
The great prophets of God were zealous for Him. Elijah said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts” (1 Kings 19:10). David said, “The zeal for Your house has eaten me up” (Ps 69:9).
Are you zealous for God … or something else?
God wants us to be zealous for Him.Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Matt 22:37).
“Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men” (Col 3:23).
“Therefore be zealous and repent” (Rev 3:19).
(MT)