Christian Blogs, Millpond Ink Musing
Millpond Ink Musing, 2015 – Of Zeal for the Lord
Young Christians often have such a passion in sharing the Gospel that their fire spills over and sparks may fly. While I agree with Thomas Brooks, “Zeal is like fire: in the chimney it is one of the best servants; but out of the chimney it is one of the worst servants,” those who are truly mature in the Lord will not stamp out the flame when it falls at their feet. They graciously and lovingly return it to its rightful place; that is, the hearth, where the Lord may fan it by His Spirit; thus, igniting and enflaming the hearts of any dying embers.
One who is long in years and tooth is not necessarily mature. There are many today within the church who are quick to stamp out or douse the flames of any youthful zeal. This usually is true for one of two reasons: They (1) are burnt out and have lost their first love and do not want to be reminded of it, or (2) never possessed the knowledge and wisdom themselves to guide them through discipleship and encouragement. In sum, the mature in the Lord, and through His Spirit, will know how to contain the fire of the young Christian, but will be sensitive not to snuff out their zeal.
