Scripture: Romans 12:11 (ESV) "Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord."
Devotion:
We continue our exploration of Paul’s applications of the Gospel to the Christian life. Here he tells us to not be slothful in zeal. What a wonderful phrase. There's something about the word "slothful" that paints a vivid picture, doesn’t it? If you want to do yourself a favour, check out the movie Zootopia where all the workers at the DMV (the motor vehicle registration office for non-US readers) are sloths. One of the best laughs I have had in a kids movie…
You’re welcome.
This is the image Paul uses to address a common human condition—the tendency to lose our zeal in our spiritual lives and in serving others. It's easy to get caught in the spiritual routine, going to church, reading our Bibles, praying before bed etc. But that is the basics, that’s the foundation. That’s just the minimum really. Paul calls us to be "fervent in spirit." This is a kind of passionate proactiveness in seeking and desiring spiritual growth. It is a passionate pursuit of Jesus. The term "fervent" literally means to boil. Imagine that—our spirits ablaze, boiling over with passion for God and His purposes.
Does that describe you? Probably not right? That’s where Jesus comes in. He’s the perfect example of someone who lived with unquenchable zeal. His dedication to His Father’s will, even when facing the cross was fervent. His commitment didn’t wane, even when it cost him everything.
When we see that, when that grabs hold of us, it enflames our zeal to serve him ever more passionately. So if you are feeling a bit cold, look again to what Jesus did on the cross for you.
Prayer:
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