Zealots

I get very awkwarded-out by zealots. Even ones with whom I have many shared beliefs and convictions. I am equally awkwarded-out by persons with shared beliefs and convictions who show great apathy. The word 'passion' has become awkward to use these days- as there is such a sexual connotation to its use... Last week I rediscovered: fervence. I had to look it up even- as it had become so dusty in my mind from lack of use, I was not even sure of its spelling or exact meaning.

Fervency- while is synonymous to passion and zeal to a great degree, does not hold quite the modern-day stains.

There can be fine lines drawn between fervency and zeal...but to me it is when one is willing, for a belief or cause, to step over the line of civility. Of course, much of civility is cultural- but there are certainly even commonalities of it that most will understand what I mean.

If in an attempt to make my point, if I hurt someone or something to any degree...I really am hurting my cause, myself...and doing damage then to the very thing about which I am zealous. Counterproductive at the least.

It is popular in our culture these days to be edgy- stir it up- point the finger- do a jab- get the laugh even, at the expense of others. Going beyond disagreeing, even strongly disagreeing; and getting 'personal'. Even school yard bullies are good at this; comes naturally. Nothing to be proud of, even if one can pull it off in a sophisticated way!

Yep- it's again the 'Clanging Gong Principle'- which the Apostle Paul brought us in 1 Corinthians 13. And yet, so many times, even Believers go straight on ahead- all for the 'cause'...they seemingly even put ear plugs in to keep from hearing those warning bells (or should I say warning 'gongs'). They may even reach for a megaphone, and even blinders- if needed...all for the 'cause'.

Wow- and it can happen so fast for any one of us; especially when we get caught up in the 'cause'... What we need to do is get caught up in "Christ", not the 'cause'. A lot of time we get it backwards- and then we are counterproductive or even damaging- not being a good witness/ambassador for Christ.

We are to love. To love PEOPLE. Whether we agree or not, no matter what the issue or sin (checked for logs-in-eye lately?). I am first called to love. To represent Christ to the other person in whatever situation I find myself.

Who am I awkwarding-out instead of loving. I need to be prepared to give an answer
( 1Peter 3:13-17) I need to filled with His Holy Spirit. I need to be prayerful. It is through knowing who I am in Christ, and His knowledge that I can be bold, fervent; without becoming a zealot.

1 Peter 3:13-17 "Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don't worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Chirst as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christan hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!"