Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

Romans 12:11 (5-31-11)

Zeal is slippery. We can replace it with excitement, which is transitory, or we can lose it to exhaustion, which is consuming.

So how do I keep my zeal?

Well, Paul tells us: maintain your spiritual fervor and serve the Lord.

Spiritual fervor? Stay connected. Maintain the relationship. It is easy for anyone to let that slip. Drop off on daily time with God. Not time in a ritual, time with God. And observe the disciplines of rest and Sabbath. Not to take the place of time with God, but so you can give it your full focus. Not rest for rest’s sake, but rest for recharge.

And serve the Lord. Don’t forget what this is all about. It’s not about me. It is only indirectly about the church. It is about serving God. Doing what He wants done to advance His Kingdom and grow His people.

Stay connected and serve God. Is it really that simple? Paul seemed to think so. And I think He’s right.

[Father, help me to restore the connection and serve only You, even in the tiring times.]