Zeal is a term that means to be enthusiastic and to have diligent devotion in pursuit of a cause, ideal or goal (American Heritage Dictionary). Looking around us, we can see zeal in the lives of many. 

Some are zealous for their families, going the extra mile to make sure each person in the family has what they need. Others are zealous about their jobs, working like “Trojans” to get the job accomplished. Still others are zealous about their recreation, spending as much time as possible involved in whatever it might be. Zeal is something one should have in their life, but it should be properly directed.

While the above-mentioned things in themselves are not evil, one does have to bear in mind to keep them in their proper place. God is to come first above all (Matt. 6:33). So, when we think of the zeal we may have for family, jobs, recreation, etc., we need to remember to be more zealous for God than these physical things (God has blessed us with families, jobs and the ability to enjoy recreation, etc.).

We need to have a zeal for God and His Word. Peter wrote, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18). The Ethiopian nobleman is a good example of one who had a zeal for God’s word (Acts 8). He was willing to sit and listen to Phillip tell him about Christ. He had been reading the prophet Isaiah and needed help to understand. His zeal led him to desire someone to tell him what the meaning of the scriptures. Zeal for the truth of God’s word motivated the Bereans to “search the scriptures” to see if what was being taught was the truth (Acts 17). When we sing, “Tell Me The Old, Old Story”, we need to mean the words we sing. No matter how many times we hear the gospel preached, it is a balm for our sins, and sweet words to our ears. We must be zealous in our study, willing to allow God’s word to instruct us.

Without a true zeal for God’s word, we will have a difficult time putting it into practice in our lives. This is why personal Bible study is a must, as well as congregational study. We need to be as Peter described, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:” (1 Peter 2:1). The baby will cry out for the milk to calm its appetite, so should the Christian seek the meat of God’s word. Zeal in studying, obeying and carrying the gospel to the world is a must for all Christians.