What’s the Deal with Zeal?

I’ve recently finished reading a book called Knowing God by J.I. Packer, and highly recommend this to every believer looking to grow.  There are a ton of great themes, ideas, and insights within this book to think about cross-referenced with scripture.  Disclaimer: there are also some parts that went straight over my head (much like reading an overcomplicated and wordy SOP) but not to worry, just settling on the main ideas is just fine! 

One such passage I read was on zeal.  It caused me some pause and thought on the meaning of this word.  What is it, do I understand it, do I possess it, can I get it?  One definition given was “our right response to God’s jealousy over us, is zeal for him.”  But wait, before we can dig into Zeal, I suppose we should understand God’s jealousy.  Classic one step forward two steps back, story of my life!

Here's a definition of biblical jealousy; “God’s desire to protect a love relationship, or avenge it when broken.” Contrasted with human jealousy; “wanting what someone else has and having an envious attitude.”  By this we can readily infer that God really wants an intimate relationship with us and cannot stand it when we place other things as a priority ahead of Him.  A few verses that shed light on this:

Psalm 78:58

1 Corinthians 10:22

So, what is God telling his people (old testament, new testament, and us)? He demands from those whom he has loved and redeemed utter and absolute loyalty.  Enter… zeal!

Here’s another way to describe biblical zeal; “being positively and passionately devoted to God, his cause and his honor.”  Just as our right response to God’s love for us is love for him, so our right response to his jealousy over us is zeal from him.  In other words, zeal is a burning desire to please God, to do his will, and to advance his glory in the world.  Check out these related verses.

1 Kings 19:10

Titus 2:14

This idea has caused me to ask, do I have zeal?  Am I a zealous follower of Christ, and if not then why not?  I know that I fall short, as I’m sure many of us do, but that’s ok!  The important part is where do we go from here.  We as firefighters (and men) are fixers and doers.  So what can we “do” in response to this idea of becoming zealous for God.  Here are a few ideas:

Pray – Lord help me begin to begin.  Asking simply for desire to start is reasonable and relatable!

Read – Start with looking up a verse or two, then cross reference related verses.  It becomes addicting!

Talk – other believers on this path may have some insight. Learn from other brothers, sisters, mentors!

The fact that we have so many tools at our disposal is an encouraging reality.  We’ve been given direct access to Jesus with guidance from the Holy Spirit.  We have a living breathing scripture, the word of God (the mother of all SOPs), right at our fingertips.  We live in a community of other believers, to share in triumphs, trials, and truths that encourage growth.

In stealing a quote from Bishop J.C. Ryle, we’ll conclude. “A zealous man in religion is pre-eminently a man of one thing.  It is not enough to say that he is earnest, hearty, uncompromising, thorough-going, whole-hearted, fervent in spirit.  He only sees one thing, he cares for one thing, he lives for one thing, he is swallowed up in one thing; and that one thing is to please God.  He feels that, like a lamp, he is made to burn; and if consumed in burning, he has but done the work for which God appointed him.”