Keep that spiritual fervor

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

For several years now, the running club I'm blessed to be a part of has hosted a free monthly 3.1 mile race (with the help of a generous sponsor). Appropriately named the Free Donut Run 5k because of the complimentary pastries served at the end, this race attracts runners and walkers of all ages including mothers pushing their young children in strollers. And if you think pushing one child in a stroller for 3.1 miles might be hard, can you imagine how hard it would be to push two? With that in mind, can you sense the frustration Kaila, a first-time participant at our monthly run, must have experienced Saturday when she encountered the one steep hill located midway through the course? Thankfully though, Lloyd, one of the other runners, saw her struggling and didn't hesitate to come to her aid. And guess what? Because of his fervor, or intense passion, to see a complete stranger cross the finish line, he continued pushing the stroller even after the hill ended to help this young mother complete her very first 5k race! 

And you know, when it comes to "spiritual fervor," or an intense passion to serve the Lord, the apostle Paul instructed the Christians in Rome to avoid letting anything drain their intense energy, zest, dedication, commitment, or enthusiasm. In fact, when the apostle said, "never be lacking in zeal," he was encouraging the believers to stay excited, willing, and motivated to serve the Lord to an infinite degree. In other words, Paul was saying, "Stay on fire, continue fanning the flames, and don’t let your flame even flicker!" 

So knowing that we are serving the Lord when we are serving others, may you I eagerly and enthusiastically look for ways to do so any way we can my friend. After all, when others see that we are on fire for the Lord and His people, they can't help but be drawn to the flame. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder of why it's so important that your children are on fire for you! Stir up a passion within us for your Word that we might read it every day and thus grow closer to you. Help us to not be satisfied with having a lukewarm relationship with You Lord but to be so on fire for You that others can see us burn! It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Burn Baby Burn - Casting Crowns