“Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;”
— Romans 12:11 KJV
Reflection on Today's Verse
First off, zeal. Paul’s not asking us to walk around like we just chugged five Red Bulls shouting “Praise the Lord!” (Though hey, if that’s your vibe, go for it.) He’s talking about passion, that deep, unwavering energy to do what matters most—serving God with all you’ve got. Not halfway, not on autopilot. Think of it like being the kind of person who volunteers to stack chairs after church, not because you have to, but because you get to.
And then there’s the “spiritual fervor” bit. This isn’t about feelings; it’s about fire—keeping that inner flame alive when life feels like one long Monday morning. You know those times when your prayer life is more “meh” than “Amen”? Yeah, we all have them. Paul’s reminding us to stoke that fire, to reconnect with the source of our energy: the Holy Spirit. Get in the Word, worship like no one’s watching (or like everyone is; your call), and surround yourself with people who fan your flames instead of dousing them.
Finally, serving the Lord. The kicker here is that Paul doesn’t separate zeal and fervor from action. Passion is great, but if it doesn’t lead to service, it’s just noise. It’s like owning a sports car and never taking it out of the garage. God didn’t light your soul on fire so you could sit on your couch debating theology memes. He did it so you could step out and make a difference—big or small, seen or unseen.
This verse therefore is your spiritual caffeine boost. Be passionate, stay fired up, and do something with it. Whether you’re teaching Sunday school or handing out sandwiches to the hungry, give it everything you’ve got. And remember, God loves a cheerful doer, not just a cheerful giver.
Personal Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to remain steadfast in faith, even when challenges arise. May my spiritual fervor grow stronger, fueled by the knowledge of Your endless love and the hope found in Jesus Christ. Let every action I take and every word I speak reflect my devotion to You and my desire to serve others in Your name.
Lord, guide me in using the gifts You have given me to glorify You and bless those around me. Teach me to trust You more, to find strength in Your promises, and to delight in Your presence daily. May my service be a testament to Your goodness and grace, bringing honor to Your name.
Thank You for calling me to be part of Your mission. Fill me with courage, humility, and perseverance as I strive to live out this calling with faithfulness and love.
In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.