In what ways can we ensure our zeal aligns with God's will? Setting the Scene in 2 Samuel 18:19 “Then Ahimaaz son of Zadok said, ‘Please let me run and tell the king the good news that the LORD has vindicated him by delivering him from the hand of his enemies.’” (2 Samuel 18:19) Ahimaaz burns to serve—he wants to sprint straight to David with the report. Joab hesitates, knowing David’s heartbreak over Absalom’s death will eclipse any military victory. The contrast exposes a timeless lesson: zeal, even when sincere, must be harnessed to God’s wisdom. What God-Aligned Zeal Looks Like • Centred on God’s glory, not personal spotlight (John 3:30) • Fueled by genuine love for God and people (Matthew 22:37–39) • Anchored in truth, never speculation or rumor (John 17:17) • Consistent with Jesus’ example: “His disciples remembered that it is written: ‘Zeal for Your house will consume Me.’” (John 2:17) • Persistent yet humble, content to serve unseen if that serves the kingdom (Colossians 3:23) Signs Our Zeal Has Drifted • Knowledge-light enthusiasm: “They are zealous for God, but not on the basis of knowledge.” (Romans 10:2) • Ambition that eclipses love: “If I…surrender my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:3) • Flashy activity with scarce fruit (Matthew 7:22-23) • Urgency that ignores counsel, as Ahimaaz initially ignored Joab’s caution (2 Samuel 18:20-23) Six Ways to Keep Zeal under His Lordship 1. Immerse in Scripture ‑ “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) ‑ Let the Word daily recalibrate motives and methods. 2. Examine Motives by the Standard of Love ‑ Ask, “Will this advance love for God and neighbor?” ‑ “Let all that you do be done in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:14) 3. Welcome Godly Counsel and Accountability ‑ “Where there is no guidance, the people fall, but with many counselors there is deliverance.” (Proverbs 11:14) ‑ Submit plans to elders, mentors, and mature believers. 4. Walk in the Spirit, Not the Flesh ‑ “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25) ‑ Spiritual zeal is marked by the Spirit’s fruit, not frantic activity. 5. Wait for God’s Timing ‑ “To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1) ‑ Patience keeps zeal from outrunning grace. 6. Measure the Fruit ‑ “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit.” (John 15:8) ‑ Look for lasting transformation, not momentary applause. Zeal that Blesses the Body • Titus 2:14 calls believers “a people…eager to do good works.” This eagerness builds up, not burns out. • Hebrews 10:24 urges us to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Shared zeal multiplies impact while guarding against lone-ranger misfires. Wrapping It Up Ahimaaz’s sprint reminds us that zeal is a gift, yet it must be yoked to truth, love, counsel, and timing. When enthusiasm bows to the Lord’s wisdom, it becomes a powerful conduit for His glory and the good of His people. |
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