Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Romans 12:10
We don’t use the words slothful or zeal often. To be “slothful in zeal” is to be lethargic, low energy, jaded, run down, weary, apathetic, dull, sluggish, lacking enthusiasm, half-hearted, or lazy. It is to be lifeless, listless, lacking in purpose, no longer really to care.
To be “fervent in spirit” is the opposite. The word fervent literally means “on the boil.” It is to be passionate, engaged, committed, active, energetic, and motivated. In other words, Paul is saying, “Don’t be in a funk, but keep yourself on the boil, serving the Lord!”
Why does Paul say this here? Surely the point is that when days get darker, the great temptation for us is to become half-hearted Christians. We are tempted to follow Christ at a distance, to keep our heads down, and to keep our faith private and our engagement at arm’s length.
It’s hard to run fast when the wind is in your face. It’s hard to make progress when you are swimming against the tide. So when evil is on the rise, it is easy to become jaded. You begin to wonder, What’s the point? It is easy to feel like being “sold out” for Jesus Christ isn’t worth it.
This battle with lethargy is something all of us will experience. When you see that you are growing cold, you have to take responsibility for your condition. You are “in Christ.” The Holy Spirit lives in you and you are not helpless. You can act, and you must take yourself in hand, and you must rouse yourself. How can we do this? Through Christ!
Do you sense any slothfulness in yourself these days? Take responsibility for it, bring it to Christ, and ask him for help.
