Serve With Zeal and Fervor

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

Romans 12:11 (NIV)

I have never seen or heard a child say they were tired. Even if he looks tired and exhausted, as soon as he is offered to play a game he loves, he jumps in such a rush of joy and happiness that nothing can stop him. It reacts like a fire that burns without ever going out when it has enough fuel to sustain it. This child will spend an entire day playing because that is what interests him most.

Like a child with a burning desire and strength to play, Paul, through this verse, exhorts us to do the same in our service to the Lord. Note that the purpose of zeal and fervor is to serve the Lord. By zeal, Paul means being passionate and enthusiastic about what the Lord has entrusted to us. The word fervent refers to the burning desire to accomplish this task. Like this little child who, aiming at his game, ignores himself, we must aim at our service for God.

Have you ever lost courage or lacked zeal in your ministry? If so, that means you are not enjoying what you are doing for God, although I recognize that sometimes circumstances can discourage us along the way. Remember that God will never leave you alone in fulfilling His mission. This is why He gave us the Holy Spirit to motivate and encourage us. Have zeal and fervor in what you do for the Lord, for He will not fail to reward you.

May the grace and peace of God be with you all.