“Not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord” – Romans 12:11 NKJV
Have you ever tried sipping a lukewarm cup of tea or coffee? Many would agree that it’s far more enjoyable when served hot, full of warmth and flavour. It’s similar to seeking comfort from a barely glowing fireplace—it doesn’t offer the warmth you need. In the same way, the life of a believer thrives when it is fervent and full of passion, radiating the energy that only true commitment can bring.
From our anchor Scripture, Apostle Paul in describing the life of a Christian tells us that a believer should be fervent, burning passionately for God in service. In Leviticus, God instructed Moses to command Aaron and his sons to ensure the burnt offering on the altar was continuously on fire, never going out (Leviticus 6:8,13).
However, unlike the old covenant, we no longer have to build physical altars for animal sacrifices. Our bodies are the living sacrifice, and our altar is the place of worship, which must be holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1). In this age where there is a myriad of responsibilities from work to family and social duties, we often forget we are priests with fires to keep ablaze constantly.
Nothing happens by chance. Likewise, no fire gets started without a spark, and neither does it stay lit without being fueled regularly. We have a spiritual life that must remain burning day in and out. We should not be found lagging in this regard.
To keep our altars burning, we must keep God’s Word close to our hearts. We cannot compromise on our daily Bible study. Jeremiah described God’s Word as fire (Jeremiah 20:9; 23:29). And as fire purifies metal, God’s word purifies our hearts, removing all inconsistencies and illuminating us as lights in this world. The disciples testified their hearts burned within as Jesus opened the Scriptures to them on their way to Emmaus (Luke 24:32).
Furthermore, Elijah is an example of a man who walked in power. He called down fire from heaven on an altar, declared drought over a land for three years, and raised the dead (1 Kings 18:36-38; 17:1, 17-22). While we can marvel at these wonders, we should also remember that Elijah was a man like us (James 5:17). He achieved all these by having a vibrant prayer life. The Bible tells us that a fervent prayer life produces powerful results (James 5:16). Thus; we, like Elijah, can also keep our altars on fire when we pray.
Dear believer, through the powerful tools of study and prayer, you can keep your altar burning, and nothing can extinguish your fire.
SAY THIS: I do not lag in diligence. I am fervent in Spirit. I serve the Lord.
Bible Reading Plan: Romans 13-14