To be zealous is to have great energy and enthusiasm in pursuit of something or someone we are interested in. As Christians, we must be aware what we are zealous for.

• Avoid Personal Zeal (Gal 4:17)

We should not be zealous over affections from things or other people. Do not go all out just wanting to win the approval of particular persons. We will not be able to think straight and it can lead us away from God’s truth and from our Christian walk and faith. These people we are trying to win favour of will exclude us from those who are walking in the truth who will be able to point out our errors and correct us.

• Embrace Biblical Zeal (Gal 4:18)

The “good thing” here refers to something that is intrinsically good. They are based on the Bible’s definition of goodness. What are these good things we should be zealous for? First is the Word of God. We must know God’s Word well and prioritise it in our lives. Put the study of God’s Word as our top priority. Without the Bible, we cannot know, love and serve God properly. Second is Christian fellowship. Let us treasure our Christian fellowship. We must defend and protect these relationships, not allowing personal matters and pride to break these relationships. Third is service. We must make use of our spiritual gifts to serve God. Every believer has at least a spiritual gift. The more we practise the gift, the more skilled we are at it, the more effective we can serve God with the gifts.

• Be Honest (Gal 4:19-21)

Be honest with ourselves regarding where our zeal lies. If we are not zealous for the right things, we will end up hurting ourselves the most. Be zealous in truth only. Search ourselves and make sure we are doing so.