"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the  Lord." Romans 12:11

This verse leaped out at me as I was reading in Romans 12:9-21 in the New International Version of the Bible. Perhaps it is because of all the things that are going on today in our country, there is that sense that we must keep our focus on the Lord. With that in mind, let's see how Scripture opens this up to us.

There are commands concerning zeal:
Solomon in Ecclesiastes 9:11 gives this admonition, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom."

The Apostle Paul's word to the Corinthians is, "Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel." 1 Corinthians 14:12

And to Timothy (and all Believers),
"...I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God which is in you..."
2 Timothy 1:6

After encouraging Believers (then and today) to add to their faith the Apostle Peter (knowing that he will soon be going to be with the Lord) says, "So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body."
2 Peter 1:12-13 (Read Verses 5-11 to know what are "these things")

Jesus, in Revelation 3:19 says to the church at Laodicea (and us), "Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; be zealous therefore and repent."

Scripture has something to say of the one who is not zealous, but slothful:
"He who is slothful in his work
Is a brother to him who is a great destroyer." Proverbs 18:9

"Because of laziness the building decays, And through idleness of hands the house leaks."
Ecclesiastes 10:18

Paul warns against idleness in 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12, "For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies." Vs. 11

In our spiritual fervor, Hebrews 6:11-12 urges all to come to spiritual maturity, "And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises."

Paul in Romans 12:l-2 urges Believers,
"I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship, And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."

To Him - Mighty God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit - be glory and honor forever!  Amen