slavery

I was once called a zealot. But somehow I felt like it was a bad thing because of how it was said. There is nothing negative in the way the dictionary defines the word, either. It is one trait that is really admirable because it shows fervency and passion. Obsession is not zeal so don’t be confused.

But zeal without knowledge is not good. You see groups that are passionate about what they believe to be right and that is a loaded statement worthy of another blog, but let us zero in on zeal.

The ever zealous Paul was talking to the of Galatian Christians and said “it is fine to be zealous provided the purpose is good” (Galatians 4:18a). The situation of the early believers in Galatia must be frustrating to Paul (v.11 , 20) because the competing faction were trying to win them over to their side. Paul reminded the Galatians that their zeal was no good, for they were essentially bringing them (Galatians) back to slavery by being legalistic and continuing on with their pagan tradition.

Be zealous for the glory of God. The tradition of old mostly were handed down to us and we just accepted and practice them without seeking the truth. The tradition, rituals and celebrations we claim to please God, takes the place of a true relationship with Jesus Christ most of the time. One could be totally passionate and sincere about religion, but could still be lost. Shocking to some, offensive to many but that is the truth.

Be zealous but for good. Seek the truth. Don’t take my word for it, do your due diligence. Investigate and seek God’s wisdom that the truth be revealed to you. Then you can have the same zeal for the good and God’s glory.

Sisterly hugs and kisses too.