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What do you call an aquamarine aquatic mammal that expresses genuine enthusiasm for gelatinous foods? A teal seal that feels real zeal for congealed meals! (Go ahead and groan, if you must.) No, I didn’t write that joke, though those who know my sense of humor could easily see me coming up with it. But I do like it, and it is a great way to introduce the phrase “real zeal.”
The word zeal, and its derivatives, are found a good bit in our English Bibles. Zeal is “great energy or enthusiasm for a cause or objective” (Oxford English Dictionary). Of course, there is good zeal and bad zeal. As Christians, we need to be concerned with “real zeal,” i.e. godly zeal. Let’s look at a few Bible passages to help us.
Real godly zeal is based upon His word. “For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge” (Romans 10:2).
Real godly zeal utilizes talents and builds up the church. “…since you are zealous for…gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel” (1 Corinthians 14:12).
Real godly zeal gets others excited for the Lord. “…your zeal has stirred up the majority” (2 Corinthians 9:2).
Real godly zeal promotes goodness. “But it is good to be zealous in a good thing always…” (Galatians 4:18).
Real godly zeal is concerned for others. “For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you…” (Colossians 4:13).
Real godly zeal culminates in kind deeds. “…His own special people, zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14).
So, let’s get excited for the Lord and His cause and go forth! “…be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day…” (Proverbs 23:7). Let us all reveal the real deal zeal that is God’s ideal!
Edd Sterchi
Broadway church of Christ
Campbellsville, KY