How To Stay Zealous

Do you ever struggle with keeping your faith alive & vibrant? Secondly, do you ever wonder if others struggle like you do?

Paul tells us in his Corinthian letters that no temptations have come our way except those that are common to the human experience. So, yes, others struggle also.

That being the case, why do some persevers while others slack off or fall by the wayside? Thie question deserves careful consideration because we all wil be confronted with it, perhaps many times in the course of our journey through this life!

I believe that first Corinthians chapter fifteen holds the answer. This has been called the great "resurrection chapter" of the Bible. In this passage Paul defines and defends the cardinal doctrine of the resurrection of Christ, as well as that of the believer. This chapter encourages us to consider life from the perspective of etrenity.

In verse fifty eight we are told to, in light of the truth of the resurrection, to press onward in a life of godly conduct, as we pursue the prize!

Let's briefly consider the admonitions of this verse:

"Be steadfast". This implies a decision to take a stand! A commiting of ourselves to a purpose!

"Unmoveable". This is an ongoing reinforcing of that initial decision!

"Always abounding in the work of the Lord." This is the singular point at which most people fail! As the Galatians, most begin well, but one thing or another draws their attention away from their "first love" for the Lord, and, before they realize it, they are backslidden! Oh, many such still go to church; some are even leaders in their churches- but, in their hearts they know that things aren't as they used to be, or as they should be.

So, what can be done?

Simply put: "Repent, and do your first works." This is what Jesus told the Ephesian church in Revelation chapter two. It is still sound advise today!

Then, "abound" in the work of the Lord! There is still a lost world to reach! We live in a generation that knows little of the genuine presence and power of God! Be committed to living out a vibrant Christian witness! Beginning in your home!

Back to Paul's teachings: He assured us that our labor is not in vane in the Lord! All other endeavors are of little, if any, eternal profit, but that which is done for Christ carries with it, not only rewards in this life, but, more importantly, the life to come!

How do we keep our zeal? Stay prayerful, stay busy for God! Stir up that gift of the Holy Spirit which is in you!

There is joy in serving the Lord!

God bless.