(September 3, 2013)
It seems a common condemnation both in and out of the Church that someone should never been ‘zealous’ in the pursuit of anything. I think, however, that the Devil must laugh at this conceit of ours. After all, the words of the Lord are clear – “be zealous therefore, and repent.”
Zeal is one way we are separated from those around us – one way we become a peculiar people. Others may go along to get along, but the zealous follower of Christ knows the doctrine and is true to it despite any beliefs, emotions, or opinions to the contrary. The truth does not bend to public opinion.
Unfortunately, I tend to fall on the low end of the zeal scale, as I have a personality that wants to be liked and to get along with everyone. And that is fine – there is something to be said for that trait, when Christ Himself can love all people and (an often misunderstood reality) is even loved by His enemies in return despite how much they war against Him. But this desire to love others does not excuse us from being zealous – in fact, it should compel us to be zealous in following the Lord so as to provide us the capacity to bless their lives.
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