“Zeal for God Without Knowledge”

When we exhibit zeal for God without the foundation of knowledge, we demonstrate fervent dedication to our Christian life, religious beliefs, and faith. However, in this fervor, we may lack a proper understanding of the core principles and teachings of Christianity. In essence, it involves displaying immense enthusiasm and devotion to the Christian faith without the necessary depth of comprehension to sustain our zeal or provide proper guidance.

This concept draws attention to the fact that a passionate and zealous approach to God isn’t complete on its own. As exemplified by the apostle Paul, an essential component is understanding God’s nature, His teachings, and the fundamental principles that underpin our faith. Aligning our zeal with the genuine essence of the Christian faith requires this knowledge. In simpler terms, zeal without knowledge implies that we may possess theological and ideological fervor. However, it’s imperative to move beyond mere zealousness without understanding, as the foundation of many religions is built upon a blend of zeal and knowledge.

While my son was in a relationship with a beautiful girl in the Church, the Holy Spirit clearly told me that this relationship was a significant mistake.  He said, if my son continued to pursue this relationship, it would change his life drastically with significant and potentially negative results. Seeking assistance from senior members of the church yielded no fruitful results, as they were skeptical of the notion that God could convey such insights to me. Furthermore, outwardly, she displayed a strong Christian demeanor. Interestingly, these experienced church leaders held the belief that my spiritual alignment was the issue. I can understand them because I always face a significant challenge in dealing with people because I don’t possess the ability to feign a façade. Pretending to be someone I am not, presents a considerable struggle, as I have consistently found it exhausting to maintain a false projection of myself. It was equally a problem for me, in and outside of the Church. Incidentally, that marked my initial realization that there might be issues within the realm of Christianity. Even though I hadn’t fully grasped a deep connection with God at that time, I consistently questioned why it held such significance for my supposed fellow brothers and sisters in Christ that I should conceal my true self. I pondered the reasons behind the repercussions I faced for not adhering to this notion. Shouldn’t authenticity be embraced by all of us within the Church?

Consequently, I grappled with loneliness and frustration, perplexed by why God would impart such insights when I felt powerless to act on them. This situation lasted a few months. However, through prayer and persistence, the situation eventually resolved itself, and God vindicated my stance. A biblical example from Genesis 3:8 illustrates this human tendency to deceive ourselves for comfort. Over time, these lies can become ingrained as truths, even passing a lie detector test convincingly. Personally, this inclination to be honest about my shortcomings and sins has led some to misunderstand my commitment to my Christian faith.

In 2006, I observed this same girl I mentioned above. She was praying in front of the church, her piety seemingly flawless. Doubts arose within me, questioning whether my earlier revelation about her being troubled was accurate. Yet, the Spirit revealed that appearances can be deceiving, highlighting the importance of understanding God’s revelations even when they lack the emotional resonance of His presence.

This lesson gradually unfolded, culminating in the realization that, years ago, I too exhibited zeal without knowledge. The Spirit of God contrasted it for me. I was journeying toward deeper spirituality, and this girl was entrenched in willful ignorance. He then explained to me, that raising one’s head in prayer is universally recognized, yet true intimacy with God is often lacking. An erroneous understanding of God’s true nature implies that our prayers are not directed toward the genuine God. The Spirit taught me when Christians exhibit zeal for God without the foundation of knowledge of the true, Holy, and righteous God, we stand no higher in God’s eyes than the people described in Genesis 11 who attempted to construct a tower to reach Him. This mirrors the manifestation of both ignorance and arrogance. Arrogance can subtly infiltrate those who fail to cultivate intimacy with God, hindering their spiritual growth. God will hold us accountable for not diligently seeking Him and cultivating this intimate relationship. We might not recall when we made this choice, but it’s evident to God, and He will reveal it to us in time.

“Zeal without knowledge.” While passion and enthusiasm are crucial, they must be balanced with an in-depth understanding of God’s Word, His character, His guidance, His requirements, and His expectations. Engaging Him thoughtfully is essential. Without this understanding, passionate actions driven by incomplete or incorrect information may lead to unintended consequences when we stand before Him.

Tomorrow, I will elaborate on how we can establish a deeper relationship with God, casting aside zeal without knowledge.