Be a Zealot! It's Okay!

Keep being Zealous for the Lord

What is Zeal? Oxford Dictionary describes It as a great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective.

Ai (Artificial Intelligence) describes it as 

Biblically, "zeal" signifies a fervent, passionate, and often uncompromising dedication or devotion to a cause, particularly to God and His kingdom, often involving a strong desire to advance His glory and righteousness. 

Here's a more detailed explanation:

• Definition:
  Zeal, in a biblical context, is a passionate ardor or enthusiasm for a cause, often associated with righteousness and devotion to God. It's a strong, unwavering commitment, not just a casual interest.
  
  Positive and Negative Aspects:
  While often portrayed positively, zeal can also be used negatively if it's misplaced or lacks knowledge and understanding. Misdirected zeal can be harmful, as seen in the example of the Pharisees who were zealous for God but not according to knowledge (Romans 10:2).
  
  Examples in the Bible:

  • Jesus' Zeal: Jesus' actions in the temple, where he drove out the money changers, are seen as an example of his zeal for the house of God (John 2:13-16). 

  • Zeal for God: The Apostle Paul, before his conversion, was known for his zeal for the Jewish religion, which led him to persecute Christians (Acts 9:1-2). 

  • Zeal for God's Kingdom: The New Testament calls believers to be zealous for the Lord and to serve Him with fervor (Romans 12:11).
    
    Zeal vs. Fervor:
    While both zeal and fervor are related to passionate devotion, fervor is often described as an internal, emotional state, while zeal is more active and expressed through actions and service.
    
    Keeping your Spiritual Fervor means never losing the spiritual desire to serve the Lord despite what happens around you.
    
    
    

• Importance of Rightly Directed Zeal:
  It's crucial that zeal is directed towards God's will and based on knowledge and understanding, not just blind passion or emotion.
  
  Biblical References:

  • Romans 12:11: "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord". 

  • Romans 10:2: "For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but it is not in accordance with knowledge". 

  • John 2:17: "His disciples remembered that it is written, 'Zeal for your house will consume me'". 

You ask how can I have Zeal for the Lord? 

How to Have Zeal for God

Give every part of your life to God and make some Godly daily habits – such as reading the Bible, worshipping and prayer times.

Dedicate certain times of the day to pray. 

Set aside a certain time of the day to read your Bible and study your Bible

Use your talents for God's work in your place of worship, your church. 

Singing songs of worship to God can help to keep your mind on Him during the day. Galatians 5:25 – 'If we live by the Spirit, by the Spirit let us also walk.

In Summary,  it is okay and even encouraged to be a Zealot for the Lord. A Zealot is not a negative thing as some people have said in the past. 

Just like Paul was a Zealot in persecuting the Christians he was transformed on the Road to Damascus and became a Zealot for Christ in Acts chapter 9. 

Just be excited about everything you do for the Lord