Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Romans 12:11 NIV
Enthusiastic
At the beginning of the First World War, in an unprecedented burst of patriotic enthusiasm, Canadians enlisted in the army across the country. Because pre-war Canada had a very small permanent armed force, citizen-soldiers would form most of the new Canadian Expeditionary Force. Thousands showed up at their local recruiting stations eager to “do their bit,” many of them with strong emotional ties to Great Britain. The first contingent was 70 percent British-born, although many had lived in Canada for years and considered themselves Canadian.
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There is a scene in the first episode of the old Mary Tyler Moore Show where she meets Lou Grant for the first time. He says to Mary, in his usual gruff manner, “Mary, you’ve got spunk. I hate spunk.” It is a very funny line, and fortunately most of us like people who are enthusiastic about life. We tend to be drawn to those who live life to the fullest. Speaking of living life to the fullest, Jesus told His listeners in John 10:10 that He had come to bring life, and life to the fullest. So it shouldn’t surprise us that the apostle Paul would write this in Romans 12:11: “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord.” Having our sins forgiven, having our guilt removed, brings the greatest joy. Followers of Jesus ought to be the most enthusiastic people on earth. We have received the gift of eternal life, and walk daily with our Creator. Others ought to be drawn to Jesus as they see Him in us. No wonder Paul commands us to never be lacking in zeal – another word for enthusiasm. Pray today for zeal and fervour for Jesus.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley