Guarding Your Zeal

In Christian literature, numerous authors and religious thinkers have compared spiritual passion to the components of a fire. Samuel Ward called it “The Holy Fire of Zeal.”

Discussing the need for spiritual fervor, Liam Thatcher uses the imagery in “Living Sacrifice: Fire and Fuel.”

More recently the impetus for the thesis of our theme this year has been drawn from Phillip Shumake’s class book “Lifelong Zeal: How To Build Lasting Passion for God.”

To possess a passion that continues to burn we must be on guard to keep our spiritual fire burning. Paul exhorted Timothy to guard his faith (I Tim. 6:12). Expressed in various ways to we’re admonished to be on guard against the “evil one,” the Devil. 2 Thess. 3:3)

In considering the fire analogy I asked ChatGPT how the devil might dampen our zeal. Here are some analogies it offered with our observations.

#1 The Wet Leaves of Distraction.

Just like wet leaves will dampen a fire, so will the distractions of life. Sports. Social media. Work. Hobbies. Entertainment. Politics. And busyness. All of these and more will divert our attention from our spiritual priorities. Even time spent with our family may replace our attention to Divine association and godly fellowship.

Thus, we are encouraged by Bible writers to be vigilant. Alert. And watchful (1 Pet. 5:8).

#2 The Cold Ashes of Discouragement.

Satan whispers lies: “You’re not making a difference,” “God’s not listening,” “You’ll never be good enough.”

Self doubt, distrust, and discouragement will soon pile up and dampen your fire making it more difficult to breathe. I love the expression “Don’t doubt your faith. Doubt your doubts.”

When the Devil tries to discourage you, imbibe Jesus’ exhortation, “Have faith in God (Mk. 11:22).

#3 The Heavy Stones of Sin.

Throw a little pebble into a fire and it won’t make much difference. But begin to pile on one stone after another and soon it’s deprived of the oxygen needed to burn. So it is with sin.

A compromise here, a hidden sin there, and failure in responsibility. Soon the stones of sin pile up and choke the oxygen of holiness, righteousness, and godliness. The weight of impenitent sin, its accompanying guilt, and its feeling of shame will suffocate your spiritual flame.

The need for honesty, admission, confession, and repentance is needed on a regular basis to keep our spiritual fire burning bright (1 Jn. 1:8-10).

#4 The Damp Wood of Apathy.

Just like rain drenched wood is difficult to burn, so is a spirit that has allowed indifference, apathy, and emotional detachment to saturate the soul.

The church at Laodicea had drifted into this spiritual malaise. They weren’t hot or cold. Just lukewarm. No burning, blazing spiritual fire. Yet, there was help and hope. The fire could be rekindled. Their passion could be reignited. Their enthusiasm renewed. The angelic messenger simply said, “Be zealous and repent” (Rev. 3:13-22).

What is dampening your spiritual fire? Is it a habit? An action? An attitude? A person? Your environment? Of just plain neglect to keep the fire burning?

We must each tend to the spiritual fire within us and regularly stoke it with prayer, Bible study, meditation, worship, and fellowship.

“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord” (Rom. 12:11).

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman