Passion & Fervor, Part 2

Romans 12:11-12, "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."

Is it possible that our fervor and passion for Jesus Christ can become contagious and be spread among fellow believers? I know that there may be different opinions when to comes to decide the answer to my question. But, I do believe that we can influence others through the passion and fervor that we express in our relationship with Christ. I can testify that I have been encouraged when someone has ministered in song or ministered the Word of God with fervor and passion. I understand passion and fervor to be deeper that just an emotional response or action. In my opinion true fervor and passion comes from an underlying commitment to Christ and a desire to love Him with all of your heart. Fervor and passion are lived out on a daily basis and not just a "spiritual outburst" from time to time. True fervor and passion is lived out in the privacy of your life as well as the public demonstration of spiritual activity. True fervor and passion comes through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and not just a "learned" lifestyle of Christian actions. True fervor and passion is deeper than just a "robotic" lifestyle that can charm others into believing that you are a truly spiritual person. True fervor and passion is not about who is the greatest charmer. True fervor and passion is about a lifestyle of discipleship in which an individual takes up his cross and follows Christ.

 

The following words written by an unknown author place added emphasis on my thoughts today.

 

"Spiritual fervor is evidence of faith that is alive. It is vibrant and effervescent in expectation of an encounter with God. The commitment of a zealous follower of Jesus is contagious. They lift the faith of other believers by simply believing what the Lord says is true,  adjusting their behavior to His commands. Like a match stick ignites a fuse of dynamite, so someone’s spiritual spark can enflame an entire community for Christ. Spiritual fervor burns brightly in service to God!"