Imagine a driver filling up his car with gas and then letting it idle for the next several hours as it eats up his hard-earned fuel, getting him absolutely nowhere.
Sounds ridiculous, doesn't it? But we're no different if we fill up our spiritual reservoirs with zeal and then go nowhere with it. As mentioned before, it is a type of fuel, one that gives us strength to live God's way. So how can we put zeal to work in our lives?
Jesus and Phinehas both saw situations that showed disrespect for God, and took appropriate action. While we aren't to run anyone through with a spear, we should be driven to take a stand for God's way when we see it defamed. And the most effective way to do that is by letting our actions show the truth.
We should also direct that javelin-hurling instinct inward. What sins in our own lives keep us separated from God? Are we content to let them remain in His temple, purchased at such a high price by Jesus Christ's death? Study 2 Corinthians 7:11. Our zeal should provide us with the desire to eliminate sins from our lives immediately.
Don't forget the example of Epaphras. Zeal is also serving our brethren. Take note of those who need prayers and seek out ways you can serve, both at church services and throughout the week. A true disciple of Christ, like his or her Teacher, is always seeking how he or she can serve those in need—not out of a desire to get ahead, but out of a zeal for our Father's house.
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