“Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.”
The Flame
Paul names fervent in spirit here, worth holding alongside not slothful, both qualities named together, suggesting genuine spiritual fervor and diligent, active effort are meant to be held together, not fervor substituting for diligence, and not diligence alone sufficient without this named, genuine fervor.
This is worth examining against however much your own service has become diligent without being genuinely fervent, correct and consistent effort without the actual, felt fervor this verse names directly, technically faithful but missing the fire this whole book’s first movement has been exploring across its first several days.
Notice serving the Lord, the specific object of this fervor, not fervor for its own sake, generic enthusiasm, but fervor specifically directed, serving the Lord, genuine devotion aimed at him directly, the actual target this entire movement’s exploration of kindled love has been describing throughout.
Consider today whether your own service carries this named fervor, or whether diligence alone has quietly become sufficient substitute for it. Ask God today specifically for fervent in spirit to accompany whatever diligent, faithful effort you are already, genuinely offering, both held together, as this verse describes.
Tend the Flame
- Examine whether diligent effort has quietly substituted for genuine, fervent spirit in your service.
- Ask God today specifically for fervor to accompany your existing, faithful diligence.
- Serve the Lord today with deliberate attention to fervor, not merely correct, consistent effort.
Prayer
Lord, let me be not slothful in business, but fervent in spirit, serving you. Let genuine fervor accompany my diligence today, not merely correct, consistent effort alone. Amen.
Carry this today
Diligence and fervor are meant to be held together, neither substituting for the other.