Do not be slothful in
zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
Romans 12:11 ESV
In this verse Paul says not
to be lazy in our desire to serve, but we should have a passionate
spirit in our service to the Lord.
I think Paul says this for
good reason. Because, I think we all have a tendency to get lazy in
our desire to serve at times. Paul reminds his readers to not let
this slothful attitude to take over in their lives. Every
relationship requires work from the parties involved in it. The Lord
always does His part in the relationship, it is we that tend to trail
off in our zeal to serve.
In His letter to the church
at Ephesus the Lord said this; “But I have this against you,
that you have abandoned the love you had at first.” Revelation
2:4 ESV The Lord wanted the church at Ephesus to know that He was
aware that they as a body had lost the passion, the love they once
had for Him. The Lord is aware of our level of passion for Him and
service to Him.
Paul
says have a passionate spirit. He wants us to remember the passion we
had at first and rekindle that passion. Obviously maintaining ones
passion for service to the Lord has its ebb and flow. We have to be
aware of that and where we are in that and act. If you feel your
passion ebbing away turn the tide, remember the passion for service
you had when you began your walk with the Lord and rekindle that
fire.
Reread
one of the Gospel accounts and see the passion that the Lord has for
us in the ministry of Jesus. Ask the Lord to build you up in your
faith. Begin serving anew. Find a new way to serve within the body
and serve the Lord with a passionate spirit.
© 2012
Leo J. Woodman
