Key Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:1-3For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you. For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many. Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready:

Relevance

Zeal for the Lord's house being built in our hearts is the most powerful motivator for others. Not uncontrolled lunacy, but zeal. Oil and Zeal are one and the same. Without Zeal, there is no Overcomer’s Crown.  Have you Zeal?

Zeal is only a name for doing God’s wishes in spite of Worldly disapproval. Jesus told us that with zeal, the kingdom or house within us will become like yeast (leaven) which grows in the dough. It won't stop until every grain of flour is leavened, or in other words, until every part of our being is on fire for the Lord. Matthew 13:33. As we grow in knowledge, that is how it will affect most of us, building zeal and earnest progress. Jesus said, The Knowledge will grow like the Mustard Plant. Matthew 13:31-32.

Paul had been progressing the Corinthian Church in knowledge and understanding. His second letter, 2 Corinthians, was quite different to his first letter of admonition for their folly (1 Corinthians 5 case of not judging incestuous conduct).

In our key passage, Paul speaks to them with respect, discretion, but great passion. He praises them for their charitable nature, freely giving to the poor—exactly where he wanted the offerings to go, and other good works. These virtues arise from zeal. However, like any good coach who coaches a great team, he not only boasts about them but also asks them to dig deeper and produce more. Paul, above all disciples, had the credentials to ask for more of their hearts, more zeal. 

Paul praises their zeal to the Macedonians, provoking them to do better themselves. Many of us would sit on our laurels and enjoy the praise, but Paul knew they must go further. We all must go further than where we are now. The zeal of an overcoming spirit never rests on a prior victory.

Seeking the heart of Christ is infectious. It's catching. Our duty, driven by love for our Saviour, is to light the oil of zeal, as if lighting the seven-branched candlestick, and let it light up everything in its sphere of influence. 

As with the Corinthians, where Paul had to inform them that their zeal stirred others, we don't know who our zeal will move to improve. What we can be sure of is that our zeal WILL stir someone. 

I wrote my prison book, Finding Myself Inside, in the hope that it would inspire people to do better, to look deeper into their own hearts, to find good in people and themselves, and employ forgiveness, mercy and peace. What I found was that readers have been blessed in many more ways, using some chapters as a point of reference for issues. 

When I was in prison, I used to undertake what I termed "bush counselling" because I wasn't qualified as a counsellor or psychologist. However, that simple dialogue changed people's hearts and life direction. But there is a more important reason I call it bush counselling. Because of Moses and the burning bush. Following Moses's brief meeting with God at that burning bush, his entire life changed. He developed a zeal for God and His work, instead of personally growing richer and increasing his flock of sheep.  Every subsequent meeting brought him closer to his Lord and made him better at his job. My aim is also to change people, moving them towards the Lord one conversation at a time, and helping them develop their character and skills, for wherever God needs them. 

King David wrote Psalm 69 about his own zeal, which was also prophetic about the zeal of Jesus Christ. For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up. I'm sure they'd both want it passed on to us.

When we find our way, it will help others find theirs. When that type of zeal for the Lord's house drives every decision we make, our effect on people will bear significant weight. It will inspire people to bring the same burning passion for the Lord's work and their love for serving others. It will change people slowly or swiftly.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, it is a privilege to follow you. Please help us all burn so brightly with holy zeal that no person, thought, or action could put it out or even diminish its brightness. 

Photo by Brett Jordan