Zeal              

The Bible says: “For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.” 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (KJV)

When he pastored the Methodist church in Scarborough, William Sangster had an eccentric member who tried to be a zealous Christian. Unfortunately, the man was mentally deficient and usually did the wrong thing. While working as a barber the man lathered up a customer for a shave, came at him with the poised razor, and asked, “Are you prepared to meet your God?” The frightened man fled with the lather on his face!

There is a “holy boldness” which empowers us and that is the Holy Spirit. He is the one who is to direct us. Unfortunately, all too often it is our flesh that gets in the way.

We have all been given the Great Commission. Our flesh tends to go into survival mode, and we fail to speak when prompted by the Holy Spirit to witness to someone. We may also be overzealous as this barber. Both the former and the latter typically bring about the undesired result.

What we should do is to heed the Holy Spirit, watch and see where He is at work and join Him. How do we do that? It comes from keeping our hearts and lives free from sin and attentive to His leadership. Then, instead of spinning our heals, He will lead us in the paths of His righteousness that we would be more useful vessels for the furthering of His Kingdom!

         Daily Chronological Bible Reading: Ezekiel 28-31