Zeal – For HIS Glory

“And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter. And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.”  Genesis 11:3,4

Reading the above verses, one can almost feel the excitement…sense the spirit of unity among the people. What great zeal they had – a zeal that was obviously very contagious – as they began their work on what would be known as the tower of Babel.

Being zealous in the work of the Lord is a good thing…a very good thing that, before long, will begin to affect others. II Corinthians 9:2 says, “…your zeal hath provoked very many.” How careful we must be, however, to make sure the motives behind our zeal are pure. In the above verses, we see one desire for this great undertaking was to make themselves a name.  It wasn’t long before God put an end to this work of pride.

“So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city.
Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.” Genesis 11:8,9

How quickly the Lord can step in and bring down any work that does not seek to bring honor and glory to God. His name alone is worthy of our praise!

“Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.”  Psalm 148:13

As we seek to serve God, may we guard our hearts against any impure motives of self-glorification. Zealousness is a good thing when the ultimate goal is to bring all glory to God.

~ Love to Jesus is the basis of all true piety, and the intensity of this love will ever be the measure of our zeal for His glory. Let us love Him with all our hearts, and then diligent labor, and consistent living will be sure to follow. ~ C.H. Spurgeon

~ Rachel ~