Great Zeal. Colossians 4:13. Some people are zealous for money, fame, and popularity; others are very zealous about their family name and heritage. They want others to recognize them as someone special. It is hard on their pride if they are regarded as ordinary people who work hard daily to meet family needs and contribute to the work of the Lord in the assembly. Others are known as faithful Christians who read the Bible and pray each day and greatly assist the Lord’s people. Occasionally, someone special appears whose main concern is finding ways to help others become strong in the Lord.
He or she has a clear vision of what they believe the Lord wants His people to be like. The concerns of others occupy their thoughts constantly, and they can sense when an unseen danger threatens to cause others to stumble and fall. As an intercessor for fellow believers, they pray to the Lord God and express their concerns with specific words, confident that the Lord hears them. They ask God to draw near and act immediately to provide what is needed for their rescue. Their experience, wisdom, and spiritual knowledge alert them when heresy or temptation is pressing on people to sin.
A person with great zeal usually sees farther than others. Their vision of God and His work is much greater than those who live only for the moment and one day at a time. A praying person looks beyond the events of the day and tomorrow and can see potential dangers that could bring great sorrow. Therefore, to help others, he takes on responsibility and more labor to meet needs his neighbor may not even realize he has. His urgency and zeal for the things that truly matter in the kingdom of God make him a beloved brother and a faithful servant in the Lord's work.