Good morning zealous people

Romans 12:11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord.

Another translation says ‘Never give up’. When life is tough, giving up is the easiest thing to do but it is also the most dangerous. Can we keep our spiritual fervour in times of intense challenge? I believe we can. Is it easy? No, many times it is not.

A paraphrase of this verse says ‘Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fuelled and aflame’. There is an encouragement here to take responsibility for our spiritual fervour or zeal. Sometimes we come up with a lot of reasons why we aren’t where we want to be; I’ve done it and maybe you have to. But the reality is we need to take responsibility. When times are tough, God is still good. There is always something to be grateful for.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 says ‘Pray without ceasing’. Another version says ‘Pray at all times’. How can we do this in difficult circumstances? The next verse gives us clarity and a key to never be lacking in zeal.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Notice it says ‘in everything’; not ‘for everything’. Another version says ‘Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do.’