Galatians 5:19–25
“The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since you live by the Spirit, keep in step with the Spirit.”
Galatians 4:17–18
“Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may be zealous for them. It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always and not just when I am with you.”
TL;DR:
Zeal isn’t the problem—direction is. What you’re passionate about reveals whether you’re living to please people or to please God.
You are zealous about something. Everyone is. The question is not if you have passion, but where that passion is aimed. Zeal can either fuel the sinful nature or strengthen the fruit of the Spirit.
When your zeal is driven by people-pleasing, approval-seeking, or comparison, it slowly pulls you away from God. It may feel productive, righteous, or justified—but it produces division, envy, pride, and restlessness. That kind of zeal exhausts the soul.
Godly zeal looks different. It produces love instead of rivalry. Peace instead of rage. Self-control instead of impulse. When you belong to Christ, your old passions no longer get to lead—you crucify them. You choose to keep in step with the Spirit, not with the crowd.
Today is a good day to pause and ask yourself honestly:
What am I most passionate about right now?
Is it drawing me closer to God—or further into myself?
Am I being zealous to be liked, or zealous to be faithful?
Zeal is good when the purpose is good. Let your passion be anchored in the Spirit, not swayed by people. When your zeal aligns with God’s heart, it produces life, freedom, and lasting peace.
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