Welcome to the third post about this wonderful journey of following Jesus and the path we devote ourselves to walking. The topic for today will hopefully convict those of us who have found complacency a companion and encourage those trailblazers to keep up the good work.

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

Romans 12:11

This verse is a powerful call to action. In a world that often drains our energy and dulls our passion, Paul reminds us to keep our hearts burning with spiritual fire as we serve the Lord. Let’s take a closer look at what that means—and how we can live it out.

Never Be Lacking in Zeal

Zeal means energy, eagerness, and enthusiasm. It’s that excited drive that pushes us to do something with all our heart. Paul isn’t saying we’ll always feel energetic or joyful—he’s saying don’t let your fire die out.

Life has a way of wearing us down: routines get boring, challenges come, and our love for God and people can grow cold if we’re not careful. Paul’s challenge is to guard that spark, to stay spiritually awake and alert.

Ask yourself: Am I coasting through my faith, or am I still excited to grow, love, and serve?

Keep Your Spiritual Fervor

The word fervor comes from a Greek word that literally means “to boil.” Paul wants us to keep our spiritual lives hot—not lukewarm. This doesn’t mean fake emotional hype. It means staying alive in our relationship with God—regularly praying, reading the Word, worshiping, and staying connected to the Holy Spirit.

Spiritual fervor is not something we generate on our own. It’s the result of staying close to Jesus.

Serving the Lord

The purpose of all this energy and passion? To serve. Zeal and fervor aren’t just for our benefit—they’re meant to overflow into action. Serving God means loving others, using our gifts, showing up when needed, and living with purpose.

Passion that doesn’t serve becomes self-focused. But when we direct it toward God and people, we reflect Jesus—who lived with fire and poured out His life for others.

How to Stay Spiritually Ignited

Spend time in prayer and the Bible even when you don’t feel like it. Surround yourself with passionate believers who inspire you. Worship regularly—in private and with others. Use your gifts in your church or community. Remember your “why”—you’re serving the Lord, not people’s approval.

Romans 12:11 is a gentle yet urgent reminder: don’t let your faith go cold. Keep your spiritual fire alive. Stay passionate. Serve with joy. Because when we serve the Lord with zeal, we reflect His love and light in a weary world.

Peace, fire, and a passion for godliness, brothers and sisters.