The Power of Zeal

Zeal: Ability to move forward through spiritual motivation; results in enthusiasm and joy

Perhaps the power of zeal, as un-glamorous as it sounds, is one of the most crucial powers to master.

Do we really understand zeal? Besides being a synonym for passion, zeal also stands for devotion and a tireless diligence. Zeal gives you the power to go on, even when the obstacles seem insurmountable. In that sense, zeal, rather than a form of uncontrolled enthusiasm, is more closely related to patience - the ability to slog on despite hardships and setbacks. And yet, this kind of patience is a driven patience, not passive, but active.

Although the current popular definition of enthusiasm is "great excitement and interest," the word originally described a state of being possessed by the Holy Spirit. So zeal could be described as the ability to follow your dreams and desires with patience and joy, relying on a higher power for strength.

Zeal gives us the ability to persevere, and in any endeavor, whether it be a spiritual quest or a material goal, persistence is the key to success.

As Calvin Coolidge said:

“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan "press on" has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race”

If your cause is true, then God will give you the strength to persevere, and zeal is the power that will see you through to your goal.