Knowledge + Zeal

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 22
NT: Acts 11
W&W: Proverbs 19

Today’s Reflection:

Zeal, [from the Greek stem zeo – to boil]: Passionate ardor in the pursuit of anything; eagerness in any cause or behalf; earnestness; fervency, enthusiasm. (New Webster’s Dictionary)

In the world, we can have zeal for many things:

1. finances (security, profits, etc.)
2. sports teams (Go bucks!)
3. pleasure (let your mind go here…)
4. individual freedom (not so much individual responsibility, though! We want big brother to take care of us…),
5. political ideologies (the environment, tolerance, choice defense, etc.)
6. morality (as we define it, of course!)
7. and many others…

The ancient wise man said in Proverbs 19.2, “It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way.” As I read that scripture this morning, the Holy Spirit seems to be telling me to give heed to what I am zealous for. The KJV translation of 2 Timothy 2.15 comes to mind: “Study to show thyself approved.” I need to apply myself to understand what I get excited about and to get excited about the right things.

I like the order of Proverbs 19.2: start with knowledge and then add zeal. We need to keep the order right. First, know:

1. The Lord
2. People
3. The Word of God
4. The will of God
5. Yourself
6. Your World

Then allow the Holy Spirit to birth zeal in your soul for the things you know.

The Apostle Paul wrote, in Galatians 4.18, “It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good.” Are you zealous for the right things?

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
1 John 1.1-4: That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched – this we proclaim concerning the word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.