Leadership: Fervent

You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:13-16 (NKJV)

Because 'Our God is a Consuming Fire' (Hebrews 12:29),

  • Because His Spirit is as 'Tongues of Fire' (Acts 2:3),

  • Because Jesus prayed 'Very fervently' (Luke 22:44),

  • Because we are 'Being transformed into the same Image from glory to glory...' (2 Corinthians 3:18),

  • You and I are called to be FERVENT, too!

God is the Definition of fervor.* He loves us so deeply and intensely, 'That He gave His one and only Son' (John 3:16) to be crucified for our sins, that we might be lifted… into eternal joy.

So how can we be lukewarm in response? How can we be less than passionately and gratefully following His orders?

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

'Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord' (Romans 12:11).

Be hot. Be all in. Your Lord commands it. Hollywood kings expect and respect it. (Casting Directors like strong choices, too!)

Fervor is a banner of leadership. Lost sheep and aimless fans are drawn to it.

Tragic sidebar you need to remember: Evil leaders know the strength of fervor. Remember Hitler’s fiery hot hatred. Christians MUST BE passionately loving!

Therefore, ALWAYS stand up and be counted. Speak up and be heard. Lift up and be kind. Light up the world with the passion of God.

A moderate, measured, and “neutral” life may seem safe in the eyes of some Christians, but Jesus said “neutral” is dangerous.

‘Because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My Mouth….Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent’ (Revelation 3:16, 19).

Also, neither “moderate” nor “measured” begins to describe the GREATNESS of God. He’s exceeding and immeasurable.

Therefore, give this life everything you've got, and multiply your talents fervently.**

Leadership: Fervent (Part 40)

* FERVENT Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster and 'ferventem' from the Etymology Dictionary, 

http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?allowed_in_frame=0&search=fervent&searchmode=none

** 'And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ' (Colossians 3:23-24, NKJV).

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God–  to multiply them in the world for His glory.

P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.

WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!

Carey Arban