SCRIPTURE:
“For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge.”
Romans 10:2
OBSERVATION:
The other day I had a conversation with a church volunteer who spoke passionately about how much he loves New Hope. He talked about loving the pastors, loving the people, and loving to serve. His enthusiasm was genuine, and his heart was sincere. But as the conversation continued, something quietly stood out to me. He never mentioned Jesus once.
It made me stop and reflect on how easy it is to become consumed with the things of God instead of communing with God. Doing church activity can become a substitute for becoming more like Christ. Serving can replace surrender. Loyalty to a ministry can overshadow devotion to Jesus. And when you add that all up you end up with more DOING than BECOMING.
Paul writes about people who had zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. Their passion was real, but their understanding was incomplete. That verse hits me differently today because I realized zeal alone is not the goal. Knowing Jesus is.
I wonder how many of us truly love Jesus, or if we simply love what comes with Him, community, purpose, ministry opportunities, friendships, influence, or routine. It is possible to spend years around the things of God while neglecting the presence of God Himself.
New Hope is beautiful. Serving is honorable. But none of those things can take the place of a personal, living relationship with Jesus Christ. Everything I do in ministry should flow from knowing Him, loving Him, and becoming like Him.
APPLICATION:
So today I will:
- Examine my motivations regularly.
I need to honestly ask myself whether my service is flowing from love for Jesus or from habit, recognition, obligation, or comfort. Ministry without knowledge of Him eventually becomes empty. I need to know to become. - Keep Jesus at the center of every conversation and every act of service.
It is possible to talk endlessly about church things and never speak the name of Jesus. I want my heart and words to continually point back to Him. - Prioritize relationship over religious activity.
Before I serve, lead, help, or build, I must spend time with my Savior and source. Loving Jesus personally is more important than simply being useful in church publicly.
PRAYER:
Jesus, protect my heart from being more attached to doing than becoming. Help me never confuse serving You with actually knowing You. Let every act of service, every conversation, and every sacrifice flow from genuine devotion to You alone. Amen
