Zealous Hearts, Renewed Minds
- Bishop Keith Butler
- Jul 9, 2023
- 2 min read
For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. (Romans 10:2)
Paul explained it is possible for you to be right in your heart and wrong in your head. Have you ever been right in your heart and wrong in your head? I think all of us can attest to that happening at one time or another.
Although zeal is important and necessary to have a thriving spiritual life, without knowledge, zeal can be dangerous.
The Greek word for knowledge used in Romans 10:2 is epignosis, which signifies a comprehensive and intimate knowledge that goes beyond surface-level understanding. It is a knowledge that encompasses discernment, wisdom, and a deep familiarity with God's truth. Paul pointed out that the zealous individuals he referred to lacked a deep understanding of God's righteousness.
Many Christians today focus on “experiences” with God and shy away from “teaching” about the Word of God. Leaders in the church must be on guard against the tendency to rely solely on emotions or outward expressions of faith. While a zealous heart is exciting and to be celebrated, it must be accompanied by a renewed mind that comes from receiving God's Word. Do not settle for a shallow understanding of God's righteousness. Instead, let us strive for comprehensive knowledge that enables us to align our actions with His will. Learning is a lifetime pursuit of understanding God and His Word more fully. As we combine our zealous hearts with minds renewed by the Word, we will find ourselves walking in a more profound experience of God's truth and grace.
Practical Application
Commit to more time in daily study. If you usually do it in the morning, try to add some study before bed. If you usually give 10 minutes, try to give 15. Take a step toward increasing your time in the Word and see how it changes your outlook.
