Zeal is a wonderful quality of passionate enthusiasm, and when manifest in the service of Christ it brings great blessing to the zealot and at the same time redounds in praise to God. Zeal implies wholeheartedness and determination to do with one's might what the hands find to do. As we look back upon the gigantic efforts of the Christian era, so we cannot fail to recognise the presence of Christian zeal in large and overcoming measure, begotten of love for the Lord and for His Word. It is comparatively easy to be zealous in any cause for a time, but the race in which we are running cannot be won by fits and starts, but by patient continuance in well-doing. It is only they who endure to the end who will be saved. Zeal may be harnessed for either good or bad ends and, in consequence, it may easily be misdirected.

The outstanding example is that of Saul of Tarsus, who in later life as the Apostle Paul, wrote of himself, "concerning zeal, persecuting the church" (Phil. 3. 5). In early adult life he had no faith in Christ, and his zealous disposition was manifest in relentless persecution of the early Christians. In due time, the Lord appeared to him on the Damascus road with his arresting message: "I am Jesus whom you persecute" (Acts 9. 5), and then followed his conversion, whereupon his zeal was turned in the opposite direction, as he thenceforth espoused the cause of Christ.

Another outstanding example is that of the ancient people of God. Paul wrote of them: "1 bear them record that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge" (Rom. 10. 2), and in consequence their zeal was inevitably misdirected. In this, as in other matters, they are an example to us that we should not fail in the same way. This demonstrates the importance of doctrine to the end that we may know the Father's will and then direct our zeal along right lines in the performance of that will. Doctrine is good so long as we use it aright and truth has its sanctifying effect upon the heart and mind (John 17.17). In our day much light has been shed upon the pathway of the surrendered mind and it should direct and increase our zeal.

Our service for the Lord should know no limits and we should be ever on the alert to perform His bidding, using every opportunity that comes our way, in harmony with His revealed will. Christian zeal should be manifest in various ways. The message to the Church at Laodicea is marked by its lukewarm attitude. The Lord cannot approve the Church hence He says: "1 know your works, you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were cold or hot! So because you are lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth" (Rev.3.15-16 RSV). We must not for one moment think that this cannot apply to us because it refers to Laodicea, for the same conditions can and even may develop in our own midst. In v 19 there are words which apply not to enemies of the Gospel but 'true wheat' ‑ true Christians. The Lord never loved tare-like people but said "those whom I love, I reprove and chasten: so be zealous therefore and repent." Discipline is an evidence of being sons (Heb.12.7)

It may seem strange that zeal always flourishes amid persecution. This is shown in the early Church during the time of Pagan persecution. When Constantine professed to embrace the Christian faith and the persecution ceased, the salutary influence of piety and self-abnegation was removed and the Church became slack and worldly-minded.

Think of the zeal in the early days of the reformation when there were not the Bible study helps that we enjoy today. With earnest zeal did the reformers search after the light; how such light as it appeared was hailed with joy and enthusiasm: and how they showed their gratitude to the Lord in serving Him. Today we are in danger of taking those blessings for granted and of becoming slack in our service for the Lord and fail to fully appreciate our tremendous privileges in His vineyard.

It is helpful to review the past and to take stock of the present in order to assess whether we are putting forth our maximum zeal in the Lord's cause. Service for the Lord is one of the great aims in life as an expression of our love for Him and we must see to it that we do not become weary in well doing, knowing that we shall reap in due season if we faint not in the meantime. Zeal, moreover is infectious and encourages others who may tend to become tired in the race, and that is one of the main reasons why fellowship is so important to the Christian and a vital means of grace.

Zeal for the Lord will manifest itself in a consuming desire to meet in fellowship with those of like faith. We must all recognise duty towards the other members of the Body; we do not attend meetings simply to receive a blessing but to give others a blessing too. This is a privilege that all can enjoy, not only those who are public teachers in the Church. It was for this reason that the man with one talent was chosen to illustrate talent burials; to show the responsibility of those who have least.

The spirit of enquiry is most pleasing to the Heavenly Father, as seen in His commendation of the beloved Daniel. Reverent enquiry into His Word arises out of zeal, and this should be apparent in all of us. If we are really zealous to know, we shall not be satisfied with superficial reading of the Word but will desire to search the Scriptures by means of the Spirit, which enables us to understand the 'deep things' of God. God will honour our zeal by giving necessary light to those who wait on Him.

Peter gives some conception of this aspect of the matter when he says that even the angels desired to look into the things now made known to us. Once again, do we sufficiently realise our privileges? Zeal will seek ways and means to prosecute further study of the Word. God has promised the Holy Spirit to all who ask, and we know that even frail intellect is no real barrier because the Lord can make up our lack, provided we have the desire to know, so long as we have zeal.

To-day, many of the Lord's people are in difficulties of one kind or another, in material as well as spiritual crises. If we are zealous we shall seek opportunities to assist those who are travelling the same way. Noble are those whose patterns of zeal tend the sick, minister a word of comfort, and relieve one or other of the burdens that rest heavily upon others who are in Christ. The solemn question comes to each one: "Am I doing all I can to assist my brethren? There are many opportunities if we look, yet some will say that there is so little to do these days. Let us use our opportunities and pray to God for more. True love is compelled by a consuming zeal (2 Cor. 5.14). Does not the Psalmist say, "The zeal of your house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached you are fallen on me" (Psa. 69; 9). The Scriptures invariably speak in this fashion and we couldn't conceive of anything more entire than the expression that zeal "hath eaten me up" (Psa.119.139). Our consecration must be full; our sacrifice offered even unto the end; we must do with our might what our hands find to do; and we must never be weary in such well-doing. There are many zealous efforts of the saints during the Gospel Age, especially those who were martyred and who translated the Scriptures at their peril because of zealous love for Him. Above all there is the perfect example of the Lord Himself. (Titus 2 14; 2 Cor.9.2)