D04 How to Keep the Zeal
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D04 How to Keep the Zeal
Have you ever met a Christian who used to be active and maybe even brought a few people to the Lord? And have you met this person a few years later and was surprised that he/she is now resigned and passive? Why do you think some of God’s people lose their zeal, even though they have seen great works of God? What advice would you give them to prevent something like this from happening? Where can we get our motivational juice for contact with unbelievers in the long run?
As for the causes…
a) I have seen some people stop actively and creatively living with the Lord Jesus! They were so overwhelmed with ministry that their spiritual life had become a routine somewhere in the background. Superficiality in their relationship with living Jesus made them vulnerable!
b) Others dropped everything because they experienced disappointment, invalidation, hurt, attack, etc. I mean from people in Christian circles.
c) Separately I mention disappointment in ourselves: Repeated failure in ministry without proper evaluation of the causes, lack of personal growth, repeated sin or failure, sometimes secret sin that has come to light…
d) Other succumbed to the burdens of life: work, family, building a house, illness. This includes especially unclear personal priorities. They felt they had no time and so stopped taking inspiration until they lost their spiritual orientation.
e) For some, I would say the reason was „spiritual infection“. They submitted themselves to an environment of criticism and negation without perspective.
So, where can we get the juice for our life with Jesus and for effective contact with unbelievers? I would especially highlight these items:
1) Active contact with Jesus. We need to be in intense communion with Him, drawing from Him constantly. This is mostly about focusing our minds on Jesus and His vision, on the Word of God. In everything we do, I try to look for Jesus‘ guidance and God’s work. A great source of encouragement is my own experience with Him.
2) People have significant influence on us. Are we connected wit people full of hope and good fruit for God’s glory and for salvation of others? Are they themselves constantly growing and trying new things? I’ve heard statements like, „I can choose my friends, but brothers are given to me.“ I know it’s not easy sometimes. However, I am quickly moving away from healthy people who are not willing to change their negative attitudes…
3) As I look back over my years of ministry, I see that the Lord Jesus had powerful resources in place for each season. There were people extremely enriching and encouraging; sometimes in long-term collaboration or mentoring, others just by one-time encounter that directed us at the time. Various books, videos and audio recordings have played an important role. We need to seek out good resources, pray for them, and most importantly use what is available.
4) In maintaining fervor, rest cannot be lacking. You can see that I am very active person. But I have found that seeking rest only when we feel completely exhausted is betrayal of the stewardship of our lives. God’s order of creation clearly tells us that rest is to be planned! When the time comes, we need to rest. Even if we do not yet feel extreme fatigue.
5) Now you may be surprised. A huge source of energy for a disciple of Jesus is obedience! I naturally don’t want to go out and interact with unbelieving people about Jesus! But when I go, the energy comes, ideas arrive. Then it’s inspiring and uplifting adventure – regardless of the outcome! Remember: Living Jesus is out there waiting for you! There you will know Him like nowhere else!
Once again, a quick summary: 1) active contact with the Lord Jesus 2) the people we hang out with 3) the resources 4) rest and 5) obedience to Jesus…
Sometimes I think, do I want to live my small comfortable life? Or do I prefer the big one, the one of Jesus, which bears fruit of God, reaching into eternity? It’s not about burning out because of fervor. But about bringing as many people as possible into the kingdom of God in obedience to Jesus…
Lord Jesus, please let us understand well and experience inwardly how significant it is to bring people to You. Give us a joyful fervor that comes from Your love.