Zeal

JANUARY 21, 1980, 7:16 AM

Yes, o son, this is a strange word… not used often in combinal conversation (your mistake) but a sufficient cue for a morning’s lesson. “Never flag in zeal” is a translation of something Paul said to the Romans. (Of course it was I who directed him to say that, and say it that way). It means, of course, never let your enthusiasm for the Lord’s work and Word diminish. Now you have a right to question this wisdom on the basis of your concept of rhythm.

If there is a rhythm to life there will be a “flagging in zeal”… a time to keep silent and a time to speak… a time to build up and a time to break down. You cannot be equally and genuinely zealous all the time. But don’t be picky about a zealous admonition. Know that zeal is something I value… and it is something I possess and demonstrate.

Think about it. Do many of My faithful consider Me to be zealous? I am perceived as rather benign or as angry and full of wrath. I may be zealous, but only against evil. Not so. As in all emotions and characteristics of humans, made in My image, I display them all supremely. I can be and often am full of zeal for this world, for what it can be, and for the work of My servants in this world.

The zeal of a true Christian discipline is a manifestation of My zeal. True zeal is not something you manufacture yourself, but is a reflection , a manifestation of Me. Just as you can tune in on several channels on a television set, but only one at a time, so you may not be tuned in to My zeal constantly. Yet the analogy is not completely apt, because if you are in Me and I in you, you will show forth zeal as a result. (It is, to continue the other analogy, that, though there are different channels, there will be news, there will be commercials, there will be comedy on each… different and yet alike in substance.)

You feel zeal, so you understand the message that this is a state of being that I value. Consider this as you start upon these new classes. Zeal for learning. Zeal for finding out. Zeal for accomplishing something that it not easy. Zeal for entering into class activities. Challenge them to feel zealous about the opportunities that lie ahead.

Of course, you can’t do this unless you feel it yourself. Be genuine in your zeal… yet tune in to Me that Mine might flow through you. Know that I truly enjoy My involvement in this world. It’s not a perfect place… but, on the other hand, if I’m satisfied with it, perhaps it is. That irreverent piece by your student Goldberg said something important. There is a lot that seems imperfect… even downright bad… in this world, but out of this comes the manifestation of love, compassion, sacrifice, bravery, integrity… if everyone were perfect and whole, on whom would compassion be shown? If there were no dishonesty and corruption would there be any need for integrity? This is not so of all worlds, of all places of being. But it is true of this world, and it suits My purposes well. I am zealous about this wonderfully perfect imperfect world.

And you should be, too. I’ll emphasize again the concept of rhythm. (Yes, I’ll nag you until this becomes a major part of your interpretation of life and health). Be aware of the rhythms. Appreciate bursts of genuine zeal, but also be aware of an underlying continuous hot-bed of zeal for all that is happening. Feel zeal for these residual papers you still must read and grade. Realize that they help you know these young people better. But appreciate also the abating of zeal… times of quiet pensiveness… when “things are in neutral” (or even going down hill).

I like it when you feel zeal for this time of meditation. But… I would have you come, even without it. Learn from Me, the Fount. And ponder that it comes forth from you, as well as from Me. Ponder.

Express your zeal this day.

A zealous Amen
8:19 AM