Zealous and Fervent

One more thought from these closing words of Paul at the end of his letter to the Colossians. Here is what Paul writes about a man named Epaphras in verses 12-13: 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.”  May I ask you a personal question?  Do words like “zealous” and “fervent” describe how you feel about others who share a faith in Christ with you?  What are you fervent and zealous about?  I spent a few hours on Sunday watching the NFL playoff games while sitting with my Dad.  I am pretty consistently amazed at the zeal and fervor that grown men and women exhibit at NFL football games.  They spend hours getting to the game and some spend what seems like hours getting makeup and costumes on for the game.  Then they yell…and they yell…and they yell.  The fervor and zeal are evident.  What’s interesting is that this fervor and zeal is directed toward a game involving people that most of these fans will never know or even meet.  And the fervor and zeal are directed toward the outcome of a game that has no bearing on their lives whatsoever. Interesting isn’t it?  Human beings are capable of incredible fervor and zeal…and I don’t think there is anything wrong with rooting for a sporting vent, but I hope that your fervor and zeal for others is just as intense as that for your sporting teams or other areas of your life.  Does anyone know that you are zealous for their spiritual well being?  If not, why not?  Would you consider asking God to increase your fervor and zeal for those you love and care about who know Christ or who do not?

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