Being zealous or possessing a zeal for something can be a powerful driving influence in life. However, we must be cautious regarding that on which it is based and to what it directs us. Understand zeal can be for either good or bad.
As Jesus encouraged His disciples the night of His arrest, He was clear about some of the challenges they would face. Among them we read. . .
“(1) I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. (2) They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. (3) And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. (4) But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you.” (John 16:1-4 ESV)
Paul — as Saul — would be among those with such a zeal (i.e. Acts 8:1-3); “breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord”. (Acts 9:1) He came to understand what it was to have a zeal for God that was not based on proper knowledge. (note Romans 10:2) And He, himself, expressed where that zeal had led in stating. . .
“(6) as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.” (Philippians 3:6 ESV)
To consider Saul’s (Paul’s) focus, I must stop and consider that for which I am truly zealous. Is my zeal ever as misdirected as his had been? May I continue looking humbly to God for clarity of focus that I may have a zeal for the good He leads me into. May it truly be a zealousness for His good works (Titus 2:14) which He has created for me to walk in. (Ephesians 2:10)
Earlier in that letter to Christians at Philippi, Paul stated. . .
“(13) for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13 ESV)
Let there not be an end to our zeal, but with a sincere mindfulness of the ends to which it leads. May we remain fully surrendered to the Sovereign Will of God so that all we engage in is truly His work and for His good pleasure!
Have a great day ZEALOUS FOR THE GOOD OF GOD!
Carl
