Zeal is "great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective" (Dictionary, Apple Inc.). Christians must be zealous (Titus 2:14), but as with any part of the Christian life, there is a balance.
Christians must avoid being like enthusiastic Israel.
Paul said they had zeal without knowledge. "Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge" (Romans 10:1–2).
They wanted to be followers of God, but they did not want to listen to God. They wanted to appear godly, but they did not want to be godly. They were extremely zealous, so much so, that they would kill those who followed Christ because they considered Christ to be a blasphemer.
Paul personally knew the ignorant zeal they were experiencing (cf. Acts 22:3–4; Philippians 3:6).
Christians also must avoid being like lukewarm Laodicea.
They seemingly boasted in knowledge without having zeal.
"I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth" (Revelation 3:15–16).
What caused them to lose their zeal? Fear? Discouragement? Complacency? Apathy?
Complacency and apathy may be the greatest contributing factors because Jesus said, "Thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye salve, that thou mayest see" (Revelation 3:17–18).
Complacency and apathy are two of the most dangerous threats also facing the church in America, today.
We have our large buildings, large memberships, fancy facilities, and we are spiritually living like the rich farmer, who said to himself: "Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry" (Luke 12:19). Jesus urged the Laodicean church: "Be zealous … and repent" (Revelation 3:19).
Christians must have knowledge and zeal.
When we, by the grace of God, have knowledge of His Will, it should lead us to be zealous for good works (cf. Titus 2:11–14). And, when we are zealous in God's work, we must regulate it with His Will. Yes, some may think we are peculiar, and they would be correct.
May we resist being like enthusiastic Israel, who did not serve God according to knowledge.
May we resist being like lukewarm Laodicea, who did not serve God with zeal.
May we be the peculiar people He has called us to be, knowing His Will, and accomplishing it with zeal.
Clifton Angel preaches for the Coldwater church of Christ in Coldwater, Miss., and is a regular contributor to the Tate Record.
