"Be zealous."
If you would see souls converted, if you would hear the cry that "the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord"; if you would place crowns upon the head of the Savior, and exalt His throne on high, then be filled with zeal. For, under GOD, the way of the world's conversion must be by the zeal of the church. Every grace shall do exploits, but this shall be first; prudence, knowledge, patience, and courage will follow in their places; but zeal must lead the train. It is not the extent of your knowledge, though that is useful; it is not the breadth of your talent, though that is not to be despised; it is your zeal that shall do great exploits. This zeal is the first fruit of the Holy Spirit; it draws it vital force from the continued workings of the Holy Ghost in the soul. If our inner life diminish, if our hearts beat slowly before GOD, we shall not know zeal; but if all be strong and vigorous within, then we cannot but feel a loving anxiety to see the kingdom of Christ come, and His will be done on earth, even as in heaven. A deep sense of grat- itude will nourish Christian zeal. Looking down into the hole of the pit from whence we were rescued, we find abundant reason why we should spend and be spent for GOD. And zeal is stirred by the thought of the eternal future. It looks with tearful eyes upon the flames of hell, and it cannot slumber; it looks up with anxious gaze to the glories of heaven; and so must bestir itself. It knows that time is short and yet there is much to be done; and devotes all that it has to the cause of the Lord. And it is ever encouraged by Christ's example. HE was consumed with zeal as a burning bush. HE knew no loitering by the way. Let us prove to be His disciples by manifesting the same zeal!
by C.H. SPURGEON _________________ Martin G. Smith
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