The Real Zeal

Charlie Chim
Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

The first time I heard the word zeal was in church. Zeal is defined as “great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective.” As it pertains to Titus 2:14, we are commanded to have “great energy and enthusiasm” when it comes to good works.
 
We understand that good works doesn’t grant us salvation–the grace of God does: but good works is still oh so very important to the Lord, and it should be to the Christian as well.
 
We’ve all been places, whether it be a restaurant or some other business, in which we have seen employees look lackluster while fulfilling their roles at work. I’m sure this is a put-off for us, and at least for me personally, it dictates how I feel about that company.



Perhaps I think the company must be a horrible place to work. Perhaps I think the company is not taking care of their employees. What a horrible testimony a disgruntled or unhappy employee is to their employer.
 
The same applies for us as Christians. We have been given new life! We have been given the next life (in Heaven) to look forward to. We have been given unlimited access to the throne of God! Yet, some of us choose to walk around as sour-faced, unmotivated ambassadors of Christ. What a shame!
 
I imagine a boss that sees his employees walking around with such dissatisfaction will not be motivated to bless them with a raise, should an opportunity arise to do so. The same applies with God. God gives us the command to be zealous unto good works...a great example of zeal, yet if we do not obey, how can we expect His blessings?
 
If we do not show zeal even if just for salvation, how can God expect to receive any more glory for anything else He does for us?
 
The challenge this morning is to take some time to examine our level of zeal…our enthusiasm for the Lord. Are expressing to others around us the goodness of God? Are we allowing God’s grace, clearly demonstrated in our lives, to move us to do good works for others?
 
Sometimes, if we just choose to set our attitude zeal first, our heart will follow.”

Charlie Chim

Bro. Chim and his wife joyfully serve the Lord together as he teaches the Foundations Adult Bible Class. They have five amazing children. Bro. Chim serves the Lord full-time as the principal of Pacific Baptist School.

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