Zeal, Fervor And Serving - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him today and what came to my heart and mind in Romans 12:11,

"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord."

Some churches boast of successful ministry by pointing to the growth of their congregations, the many who have responded to the outreach, the programs, the opportunities, the exposure to God's word they have provided people. And, where those lead to the spiritual maturity of their members they ought to be commended. I'm sure there are many churches who do well.

On the other hand, many churches harbor folks who just may not know Jesus Christ personally. I have known (and I am sure you have as well) people who attend church because their spouses do or their families do. I have known people who have become active in a congregation because it provides a customer base for their business. Worse yet, there have been news stories where individuals have joined a church for predatory purposes.

We seldom are able to look into another person's inner soul and know the condition of their hearts. Should we even care? If we love one another, I think it is incumbent upon us to care for the spiritual health of those around us. How about our own spiritual condition?

Every once in a while, after someone we know has passed, you hear someone say (and we may say it), "At least he is in a better place now." Sometimes it causes me to feel a certain discomfort because, although he may have been a church member, the reality of the verse above was never apparent in their life. Of course it is not ours to judge and the Lord is the only one who knows our hearts. However, should there not be even a hint of zeal for the Lord in a true believer's life? Should there not be some "spiritual fervor" going on? Should there not be some labor in one's life that is recognized as a service for the Lord we know and love?

I'm sure I could be way off base here, but I have a hunch that many burgeoning congregations just may not be composed of many whose spiritual lives are marked by the health and spiritual vitality that would reflect Paul's admonition here.

But enough about others. How about me? Where is the needle on the gauge of my zeal? As I look back at the past week, is there a spiritual fervor for the Lord evidenced in my serving the Lord?

Some things should be evident in a spiritually healthy believer's life. Paul's admonition here provides some clarity.

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

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