What Really Gets You Going?

I once heard zeal described as a nervous disorder afflicting the young and inexperienced.  The Bible, however, reveals another perspective of zeal.  Paul wrote to the Romans: “Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.” (12:11) Where there is a zeal for integrity, there is Christ.  Where there is a zeal for holiness, there is Christ.  Where there is no zeal for righteousness, Christ is not there.  Where there is no zeal in faith, Christ will not be found there either.  J. C. Ryle describes it thus:

“A zealous man feels that like a lamp he is made to burn; and if consumed in burning, he has but done the work for which God appointed him.  Such a one will always find a sphere for his zeal.  If he cannot preach and work and give money, he will cry and sigh and pray.”

It is a Christian’s duty to be zealous for the things of God.  Fill your heart with zeal for Christ and commit yourself to His service.  Do not be slothful in the calling given you.  Pursue it with all your heart, passion, and zeal.

Do You Possess Spiritual Power?

Oh!  For a closer walk with God,

A calm and heavenly frame;

A light to shine upon the road

That leads me to the Lamb!

So shall my walk be close with God,

Calm and serene my frame;

So purer light shall mark the road

That leads me to the Lamb.

(William Cowper)

Whatever ability I might have to overcome personal sin and the challenges of life truly depends on maintaining a close relationship with God.  We must abide in Christ and cling to Him alone.  Do you have a place for secret prayer?  It is there that you will find strength.  In this secret intimate communion is the school of the prophets.

“Live near to God, and so all things will appear to you little in comparison with eternal realities.” (Robert Murray M’Cheyne)

 

God will guide us in judgment and understanding.  Give Him your burdens.  “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7)  Bind yourself to His Word and He will never fail you.  Cultivate and nurture this relationship.  Do not exalt yourself.  Seek Christ first and in all things.  There, alone, is real power over circumstances and sin.