The Need For Zeal

Larry R. Ping II

To deny that the Church needs more zeal is to deny the obvious. Zeal is defined as "excitement, enthusiasm, fervor." When we understand this, we can clearly see that we need more zeal! Consider the following.

Zeal Needs To Consume Us. David wrote "For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up" (Psalm 69:9). The enthusiasm we have in the work for the Lord should not decrease and then increase. We should remain excited about the work for the duration of our life. We should "exhaust" ourselves in the work, perhaps not so much in other endeavors of life.

Zeal Is Contagious. Paul noted that the zeal of the Corinthians had "provoked many" (II Corinthians 9:2). That is, others saw the fever and caught it. Others heard of their excitement, and got excited themselves. Has your zeal been evident enough so that it spurs others to do more?

Zeal Goes Beyond The Building. Paul warned the Galatians that they were to be "zealously affected always in a good thing," not only when he was present (Galatians 4:18). It is rather easy to be zealous and enthused here at the building. The real test comes when we exit the doors and enter the community. Are you enthusiastic there too, or do the pressures get to you?

Zeal Is Required To Properly Repent. When Jesus was concluding His remarks to the seven Asian churches, he said "Be zealous therefore, and repent" (Revelation 3:19). As we all know, or should know, to repent is to make a change for the better. We need to stop doing that which is sinful and do that which is righteous. As odd as it sounds, we need to be excited and enthused about making things right with God.

Zeal Needs To Be Evident. In II Kings 10:16, Jehonadab said "Come with me, and see my zeal for the Lord." Others need to see and feel and hear our zeal, and more importantly, so does God. When was the last time you could go to someone and say, "Come with me, and see my zeal for the Lord?" Make that time come sooner than later!