What steps can we take to ensure our zeal aligns with God's will? Misguided Zeal: Saul’s Example “...if he found any men or women who belonged to the Way, he might bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem.” (Acts 9:2) Saul’s passion was real, yet completely out of sync with God’s heart. His story warns us that intensity alone is no virtue. The following steps help redirect zeal so it runs on God’s tracks, not our own. First Step—Encounter Christ Personally • Acts 9:3-6 records Saul’s life-altering meeting with Jesus. • Zeal aligns with heaven only after surrender to the risen Lord: “Lord, what do You want me to do?” (Acts 9:6). • Without genuine conversion, religious energy remains self-driven (John 3:3). Submit Your Passion to the Word • Scripture is the final, infallible authority: “All Scripture is God-breathed…” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Daily reading and careful study act as a plumb line, exposing motives and correcting course (Hebrews 4:12). • Any goal, plan, or ministry that contradicts the plain meaning of Scripture must be abandoned, no matter how exciting it feels. Depend on the Spirit, Not the Flesh • “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” (Romans 8:14) • Prayerful sensitivity to the Spirit keeps zeal from becoming mere human effort (Zechariah 4:6). • When the Spirit fills, He produces godly boldness (Acts 4:31) rather than harsh fanaticism. Let Love Govern Your Fire • “If I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:2) • Love seeks the good of others; it refuses to use truth as a weapon (Ephesians 4:15). • Ask: Does my passion build up the body and draw people to Christ, or simply prove a point? Stay Humble and Teachable • “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6) • Saul accepted instruction from Ananias (Acts 9:17-19). Real zeal welcomes correction and grows through it. • A teachable spirit guards against the blind spots that zeal can create. Anchor Yourself in the Church Body • “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together…” (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Fellowship supplies accountability, shared wisdom, and confirmation of calling (Acts 13:1-3). • Isolated passion drifts; connected passion multiplies. Measure Zeal by Its Fruit • “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…” (Galatians 5:22-23). • Righteous zeal produces spiritual fruit, not chaos or division. • Over time, ask trusted believers to confirm whether Christ-like fruit is increasing. Putting It All Together 1. Begin with surrender to Christ. 2. Keep your Bible open and your knees bent. 3. Walk in step with the Spirit, expressing zeal through love, humility, and community. 4. Regularly inspect the fruit, adjusting whatever does not mirror the character of Jesus. Following these steps ensures passion burns pure—energized by heaven, anchored in truth, and aimed at God’s glory. |
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