“Not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” – Romans 12:11.   

“Flaming enthusiasm, backed up by a horse sense and persistence, is the quality that most frequently makes for success,” said legendary billionaire and philanthropist Dale Carnegie.

Our meditation today focuses on the word ‘fervent.’

In the original language, the word used is zelos or zestos, meaning ‘hot’ or ‘boiling’; it’s from this word that we get the English words ‘zest’ and ‘zeal’ – great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or a goal.

You have ever dealt with a zealot or radical person? Then you understand what I am talking about!

Our Lord Jesus used the word ‘zelos’ when He singlehandedly kicked hundreds of traders out of the temple, overturning their counters.

That was some zeal, you know. I can imagine Him sweating profusely, all worked up as He swung the whip.

When you are fervent, you have intense passion, enthusiasm, or zeal; basically a hot and strong desire, commitment and dedication towards your convictions or goals.

Fervent people exhibit intense emotions and strong feelings about the things they do or the causes they believe in.

They are energetic and demonstrate high levels of enthusiasm in their pursuits.

They are so persistent and tenacious regardless of challenges or setbacks.

In other words, being fervent means that a person deeply cares about what they do and actively works towards making a difference or achieving their goals with unwavering determination.

Of course being fervent is extremely important in life as it drives action, increasing the likelihood of achieving success and progress.

Experts say that pursuing passions fervently can bring about a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction, contributing to a person’s overall happiness and well-being.

It should therefore go without saying that  fervent individuals do eventually emerge as leaders with the ability to inspire and motivate others, driving collective efforts towards achieving common goals.

Our Lord Jesus is our perfect example of being fervent in these three aspects.

The Bible indicates that there are three important things for which we must be fervent.

The first is what our meditation today refers to – “fervent in spirit.” 

When it comes to the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God, we must be fervent.

I often get challenged when I see fervent people for their worldly and temporary (and sometimes even harmful) pursuits or beliefs.

Shouldn’t we be even more fervent in our service to the Lord and His kingdom?

Secondly, James 5:16 says; “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” See also Colossians 4:12.

When Jesus prayed, the Bible says His sweat was like beads of blood!

When you decide to pray, do it fervently because fervent prayer will move mountains.

Thirdly, we must love fervently. 1 Peter 1:22 says; “love one another fervently with a pure heart.”

The apostle Peter adds; “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins” (1Peter 4:8).

Of course our Lord Jesus is our perfect example of being fervent in these three aspects.

May He help us to be fervent in serving Him, in prayer and in our caring for others. Amen!