The Kindling Ministry of Zeal

“Your zeal hath stirred very many.” — 2 Conr. ix. 2.

Yes, our hidden fires have deep and far-reaching influences. The power of our speech may spend itself in a day. Even our deeds may be so anemic as to speedily exhaust their effects. But the hidden fire is always emitting its rays; it is constantly affecting the moral atmosphere, and is therefore always related to the lives of others.

What is that hidden fire? It can be clean or unclean. It can be the fire of an impure passion, such as jealousy, avarice, or lust. It can burn with the fury of destruction, and be always consuming the precious relationships of common life. Or it can be a fire pure and lucent as the sea of glass, and its constant glow can make the moral climate like an inspiring summer’s day. It can be the fire of hope, stirring everybody to sacred cheer. Or it may be the fire of love making everybody breathe the air of heaven. Yes, the fire can be kindled of heaven or kindled of hell.

These Corinthian disciples had the fire of zeal. They did nothing coldly. All the issues of their lives were hot with a passionate devotion. When they prayed aloud others were warmed at their fires. When they gave their witness others were kindled by their enthusiasm. When they moved in ways of common duty their blazing ardour encouraged the smouldering energy of others. These disciples went about lighting the fires of others.

Where had they got their fire? This is the secret: ‘‘ He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire.” ‘‘ The God that answereth by fire let Him be God.”