What steps can we take to ensure our zeal aligns with God's will? Recognizing Zeal’s Potential for Misalignment “ So then, I too was convinced that I ought to do all I could to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth.” (Acts 26:9) • Paul’s confession shows that sincere passion can run directly against God’s purposes when it is uninformed or misdirected. • Zeal is therefore not self-authenticating; it must be measured by truth. Step 1 – Submit Every Passion to Scripture • Psalm 119:105 — “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” • Romans 10:2 — Zeal without knowledge leads to error. Practical actions: – Daily, open-Bible examination of what fuels your excitement. – Ask, “Where is this desire explicitly supported or corrected in the text?” Step 2 – Invite the Holy Spirit’s Guidance • John 16:13 — The Spirit “will guide you into all truth.” • Galatians 5:16 — Walk by the Spirit to avoid flesh-driven zeal. Practical actions: – Pray before acting; wait until inner prompting aligns with scriptural principles. – Stay sensitive to conviction, even if it redirects long-held plans. Step 3 – Examine Motives and Attitudes • Philippians 3:6-8 — Paul counted his own achievements “loss” compared with knowing Christ. • 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 — Zeal without love is nothing. Questions to ask yourself: – Is this about exalting Christ or exalting me? – Would I pursue it if no one noticed? Step 4 – Seek God-Fearing Counsel • Proverbs 27:17 — “Iron sharpens iron.” • Hebrews 10:24-25 — Believers should “spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Practical actions: – Submit plans to mature believers who know Scripture. – Welcome correction; it is protection, not limitation. Step 5 – Test the Fruit • Matthew 7:17 — Good trees bear good fruit. • James 3:17 — Wisdom from above is “peace-loving, gentle, open to reason.” Evaluate: – Does this zeal produce humility, purity, and reconciliation? – Are people drawn closer to Christ or merely to a cause? Step 6 – Practice Ongoing Repentance and Humility • Micah 6:8 — “Walk humbly with your God.” • Acts 26:20 — Paul preached “repentance and works worthy of repentance.” Habits: – Regularly confess where ego or tradition has eclipsed obedience. – Rejoice when God overturns your plans; it means He is shepherding you. Step 7 – Keep Christ Central • Colossians 3:17 — “Whatever you do… do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” • Hebrews 12:2 — Fix eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith. Guidelines: – Filter every ambition through the gospel’s aim: glorifying the Savior and making disciples. – Let love for Christ, not mere activity, define success. Putting It All Together 1. Measure passion by Scripture. 2. Rely on the Spirit’s inner witness. 3. Purify motives through self-examination. 4. Submit to godly counsel. 5. Confirm by the fruit produced. 6. Live repentantly and humbly. 7. Elevate Christ above all. Follow these steps, and zeal that once opposed Christ—like Saul’s—can become zeal that advances His kingdom with clarity, love, and lasting impact. |
    |