Go…Team!
“…fervent in spirit, serving the Lord…” Romans 12:11 (NKJV)
I have never been a fan of team huddles and chants where the captain or coach is trying to
muster up some extra motivation from their team. Each individual within the team has to
rely on their own strength, skill, and ability, and those of their teammates. As a youth, I
feared that I would be lacking in the necessary areas to perform well on the team. Often I
was right, and this is probably why I have an aversion to the motivational efforts common in
team sports. I may be the weakest link.
Surely we can feel less than qualified when it comes to “serving the Lord,” but the
difference is this: we are not expected to simply muster up what is necessary from our own
strength. That would be serving the Lord in the power of our flesh. God has given to each of
us unique gifts, both physical and spiritual, and we should use these for His glory. But it is
God’s will that we serve Him by the power of His Spirit, relying on something outside
ourselves. That is a relief to me.
Jesus wanted His disciples to wait until they were “…endued with power from on high”
(Luke 24:49, NKJV) prior to going forth into the world to preach the Gospel. This is further
clarified in Acts 1:8 when Jesus said, “…you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has
come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and
Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (NKJV) It is because of this empowering that the
Apostle Paul could make the bold claim in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through
Christ who strengthens me.” (NKJV)
The Greek word for “fervent” means: “hot, like a boiling liquid or a glowing solid.” This
brings to mind the strict warning given to the church of Laodicea in Revelation 3:15-16. In
this passage, Jesus makes it clear that we are to remain “hot,” not “cold” or “lukewarm.”
The amazing thing about this passage is that Jesus states He would prefer us to be “cold” to
Him than “lukewarm.” This is a sober warning. We need to guard ourselves from this by
clinging to Jesus. 1st John 2:28 says, “And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He
appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.” (NKJV)
“God is good” is no trite saying. He not only saves us through the sacrifice of His Son, but
also empowers us by His Spirit to live a victorious life for His glory. The burden is not on
us.
Jeff Walnofer
Copyright © 2012 Wildwood Calvary Chapel