May 29, 2012 (Proverbs 10-12; Romans 10 )
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “I know what enthusiasm they have for God, but it is misdirected zeal.” Romans 10:2 NLT
Observation: Paul is speaking about the people of Israel, he knew first hand the zeal for God they had. After all, Paul was an Israelite himself. And he too once suffered from misdirected zeal. He persecuted the church and approved of many being killed for their faith in Jesus. Yet now he sends a letter to the Christians in Rome preparing them for his visit. He is making the case before the church that faith in Christ is how a person is made right with God, not by keeping the law. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. He is not saying Christians should not have zeal for God, but rather teaching them how to properly direct their zeal in ways that please God.
Application: I believe these issues within the church still exist today. There are many who have a tremendous zeal for God, yet their zeal is misdirected. No matter what the subject, it can be taken to extremes either way. For example, in politics we have Republicans and Democrats. One is known to be “The Right” and the other “The Left”. And there are extreme views in both camps. Religion is the same in a lot of ways. Denominational walls and theological debates have separated and divided God’s people in many ways due to extreme views. Many times the importance of these views amount to very little. The root of what Paul was trying to say is this; the only way to be made right with God is through faith and belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. He is “The Way”, “The Truth”, and “The Life”, no one comes to the Father, except through Christ.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me every day. Thank You for Jesus that made the way for me to be right with You. Fill my soul with zeal for Your word and Your truth. Direct that zeal to be used in ways that are pleasing and acceptable to You, in Jesus name, Amen!