by Randal Matheny

Green and yellow banners, streamers, and flags fly everywhere. Just this morning, at 6:00 a.m. everybody was up -- to watch Brazil play in the World Cup. Enthusiasm is at fever pitch.

The world's biggest soft drink company dangles before your eyes a chance to win a ball used in the Cup. And the Golden Arches has a new burger every day that represents one of the countries playing in the finals.

The world has its eyes glued to South Korea and Japan. And when the TV isn't on, somewhere you hear a conversation about soccer.

But just wait until July. The specials will be gone, the conversation muted, and two Asian countries forgotten. With the World Cup over, enthusiasm wanes.

The Bible doesn't use the word enthusiasm. Yes, I realize the word's etymology means "possessed or inspired by a god." And, yes, it can be used as a synonym for the "biblical" word "zeal. But let me make my point.

Enthusiasm's god may be a sport, a gadget, a widget, a person, anything at all. And the emotional high may wax and wane with the interest or fortunes of the object. And THAT'S where this worldly enthusiasm differs from spiritual zeal.

God is constant. Unchanging. Eternal. And his character, as the all-powerful, all-knowing, all-present, all-everything God, keeps our zeal white-hot. Unless, of course, you turn your eyes from him to some lesser god.

So Paul will tell us, "Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord" (Rom. 12.11, NRSV).

Zeal is an intensity that detests half-hearted service, singing, and seeking. It's a whole-hog thing.

That reminds me of the story of the chicken and pig. The chicken suggested they contribute to the owner's breakfast. The pig replied, "That's easy for you to say! You'll give an egg and see the light of the morrow. For me, it means a total commitment!"

Zeal is ready for the total commitment.

Now, a warning about your zeal. Not everyone will share your total devotion. The zealous Jehu was accused of driving his chariot like a maniac (2 Kings 10.16, 9.20). You, too, will earn your share of detractors. But keep driving. Keep working. Keep stirring up the dust behind you.

Maybe we can put the difference between worldly enthusiasm and spiritual zeal this way, in this little ditty of mine:

Enthusiasm,    A passing spasm; Divine zeal,    The Spirit's seal.

Sure, go watch Brazil win it's fifth championship in the World Cup. We'll be cheering ourselves hoarse. But after it's all over, may God say of you what he said about Phinehas, "he was zealous for his God" (Num. 25.13).

So let's get fired up.

"Com with me, and see my zeal for the Lord."