Zeal

Zeal

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

OUR FRIENDS JASON AND CHRISTA recently told us of their desire to adopt from Haiti. Over the past several years, they would visit Haiti multiple times, partnering with a school there and building relationships with a local Christian organization that was meeting the needs of the people.

As we sat around our dinner table and they passionately told us of their plans, Kyle and I couldn’t hold back our excitement for them. This was such an amazing thing they were doing, and we could not be more proud or happy for them!

One evening, as we were discussing adoption, they told us that although most people were excited when they told them the news, they’d also had several comments from other well-meaning friends about their age and the fact that their three biological children were so much older. They were almost done parenting, so why would they want to start over? Didn’t they want to be free to travel? Enjoy their life?

Kyle and I listened as they shared, and then I told them of my aunt and uncle who adopted the last of their children when they were well into their fifties. We encouraged them that they were pursuing what God had for them, even if people questioned it.

A little while later I was listening to a podcast where the host commented to his guest who happened to be in his sixties, regarding his passion for Christ, calling it a “youthful zeal.” I knew it was meant as a compliment, but I immediately thought of my friends. And I was struck by the incorrectness of the statement.

Zeal or passion is not meant just for the young. There is no age limit on who can have an impact for the Kingdom of God. We don’t reach a certain age and suddenly lose our effectiveness for his Kingdom. At least not from God’s perspective. No matter what stage of life we are in, listening and obeying God’s leading, with zeal, is what we as Christians are called to do.

Lord, thank you that you have plans for each one of us to fulfill, no matter our age or stage of life. Give us the courage to do what you are asking of us today. Amen.

-Kendra

One Good Step: Choose to serve the Lord with zeal today.