Zeal and Knowledge

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 58
NT: Romans 10
W&W: Psalm 83

Today’s Reflection:

In his letter to the church in Rome, Paul wrote, “For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge” (Romans 10.2). He said elsewhere, “It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good” (Galatians 4.18).

People today are zealous for many things. As I watched the news last night, I witnessed the reaction of people who were zealous for the entertaining ability of Michael Jackson. Stunned by his sudden death, people were scrambling to express their support of and appreciation for his musical talent. But often their zeal was only able to thinly cover concerns about his past. Isn’t it sad that his legacy is tainted by eratic, and eccentric, and quite dubious behavior. That zeal for his music must be tempered by the knowledge of his past?

But that is a fact of life. We need to be aware of what we are zealous for. And, when our zealousness proves to be misplaced, we should not be surprised. I know that I have been disappointed by the recent behavior of conservative leaders, and I’ve been burned more than once by placing hope and trust and public confidence in people…

But, when we are zealous for Christ, the risen Son of God, our zeal will never be misplaced. Such zeal is based on the knowledge of God’s Word and the goodness of God’s purpose. It will never be misplaced! Is your zeal based on knowledge? Is it for a good purpose? Know what you are zealous for!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Put 1 John 1.5-10 together: 5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.