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Day 3: Consuming Zeal

“Zeal for your house consumes me, and the insults of those who insult you fall on me.” — Ps 69:9 (NIV)

David was so consumed with zeal for God’s House that he personally felt the insults that were directed at God. The disciples were reminded of David’s words when Jesus drove the merchants and money changers from the temple courts. All the people stood up and shouted “Amen! Amen!” when Ezra opened the book of the Law. It was zeal that consumed the Samaritan woman as she shared her revelation of Jesus with her entire town. Despite extreme hardship, the Macedonian churches implored Paul and Timothy “with much urgency” to receive their gift and fellowship.

Are you getting the idea? Zealous people inspire others. Zeal is great energy or enthusiasm in the pursuit of a cause; to live beyond yourself and make a difference in the world. As Christians, we have even more reason to be passionate about our New Covenant in Christ, yet sadly, not every Christian feels that way. Passion for God’s House will keep you going and on course, but there is nothing inspiring about apathetic people going through the motions, fulfilling an obligation. When people come to your church to meet with Jesus, will they encounter passion and enthusiasm for God’s House?

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” — Gal 6:9 (NKJV)

Zeal to do good has a reaping season ahead for those who refuse to grow weary. What is growing in your life? Is it weariness and lethargy? Dissatisfaction? Or doing good? Losing heart leads to weariness, so if you’re losing heart, recognise that’s the devil trying to steal your zeal; and zeal is the energy that fuels your purpose.  

Discouragement and familiarity are enemies to your zeal. It’s so easy to become familiar with the things God has done especially if you’ve been a Christian for a long time. Age tends to weary some people, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Whatever your age, stay youthful in your spirit, and keep a spirit of revival. Don’t lose sight of the future or allow opposition to steal your zeal and leave you weary. You need zeal and passion to pursue your dreams, and zeal will empower you to overcome, especially when dealing with discouragement. When you give your all in pursuit of the cause of Christ, over time, you will reap your reward. 

I do not want merely to possess faith; I want a faith that possesses me. — Charles Kingsley