Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Zeal
We affirm that our Divine Power of zeal is tempered with wisdom, and we maintain a perfect balance within and without.
Zeal is the Spiritual force that moves us out of inertia and into action. However, our zeal may also express as perfect stillness. This is beautifully depicted in the New Testament story of Mary and Martha receiving Jesus and His disciples into their home. Mary "sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teachings. But Martha was distracted with much serving; and she went to him and said, 'Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.' But the Lord answered her, 'Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; only one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken from her.'" (Luke 10:39-42 RSV).
There is a Spiritual danger in zeal if it is not banished by the wisdom to recognize right priorities. How many of us spend our days like Martha, so busy doing that we forget to be? Mary brought great zeal to her decision to simply sit and listen. Enthusiasm for serving others is good and important, but it is also important to take the time to simply be with the Christ Presence of God within us.
reprinted from Unity's Lent 2013 "A Season for Spiritual Growth"