I must work the works of Him who sent me (John 9:4)
What is Zeal?
The modern day interpretation for the biblical word zeal is passion,! Is that you? What are you passionate about? Is it your work, your hobby, your family, your car? What about your relationship with God, and what He has asked you to do?
Passion Is The Driving Force
Without a sense of zeal, life sometimes can become pretty boring. Everything then seems to be done with a big sigh and a have-to. Going through the motions without a genuine want-to, turns everything into a must-do.
Zeal keeps us going toward the mark, even when we see others dwindle, shrink back, or in the worst case, give up. It pushes us through those tough arduous times and gives us energy to carry on even though we think we can’t take another step. It gives us that drive and determination to finish strong, even in the face of adversity.
Zeal Can Open Doors
Nothing can take the place of being zealous or passionate. Opportunity can’t. Opportunity may open the door, but without zeal you won’t make the most of it. A lack of zeal, may cause you to miss a door meant to lead you toward your destiny.
Zeal Will Do More Than Knowledge
Knowledge can’t replace zeal. Some of America’s worst presidents are reputed to have been the smartest. While some of the greatest presidents, such as Abraham Lincoln, had very little formal education. Your training and resume may get you through the door, but that’s as far as it will get you without zeal.
Success is Due More to Zeal Than to Talent
Talent won’t replace zeal either. There are many people in the world with incredible, natural talent who unfortunately will never achieve personal or professional success. Why? Because they have not committed their enthusiasm to finish what they have been given. Let’s look at it this way: talent can be compared to money, but it only grows when you put it to work! A person only commits their enthusiasm to God’s purpose when they have a revelation of who they are and what they were created to do on earth in Christ. Without the realization of your God-given identity, then it’s difficult to move toward and fulfill your destiny. Even the best GPS can’t take you to a destination that you haven’t identified and punched into it.
Complaceny Kills
Complacency can kill enthusiasm, in Proverbs 27:7 NIV its says, One who is full loathes honey from the comb, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet. We need to stay hungry and fervent for the things of God and what He has called us to. When we do, then His passion and heart becomes our passion and heart, insulating us from becoming complacent about what we are doing and why we are doing it. It’s very easy in this modern-day, western society to say, “I don’t like this and I don’t like that. This is no good and that’s no good.” From that dialogue, we allow our hearts and minds to become bitter towards the sweet things in life and to miss the wonderful things in life that we have become “full” over.
No Substitute for Zeal
Finally, having good connections isn’t a substitute for personal zeal. You will never be successful without others, but merely surrounding yourself with the right people doesn’t guarantee success either. A team with no heart, passion, and vision won’t succeed.
You Have Not Because You Ask Not
Zeal is the difference-maker. Paul stated it this way; Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord (Romans 12:11 NIV). Jesus modeled what he spoke, I must work the works of him who sent me (John 9:4). This kind of zeal is not taught but caught by revelation. So, if you’re lacking zeal today, spend more time with Jesus and ask Him for a vision and passion for what you have been called to do.