If you’re new here, I love the word zeal. It’s one of my favorite words and I even ask every single one of my podcast guests, “What does living with zeal look like in your life right now?”

Why zeal? I answered that question in a few previous posts (here and here).

But real quick — if you are new or don’t plan to read those older posts — let me share my definition of zeal: Living with a passionate pursuit of a purpose.

God created me for a purpose that I want to passionately pursue for the rest of my life. And I believe He created you for a purpose, too. A purpose that lights up this world. A purpose that is positive. And, if you’re a fellow believer, a purpose that points people back to Jesus.

But Can Zeal Be Negative?

Let’s look at the adjective version of the word zeal — zealous. According to Merriam-Webster, zealous means : marked by passionate support for a person, cause, or ideal.

Can you support a person, cause, or ideal with a positive impact? Yes.

Is it possible to support a person, cause, or ideal with a negative impact? Also yes.

Throughout history, leaders have been zealous for causes that changed lives, countries, and even the entire world. Zeal is a powerful tool. But, as that age-old proverb reminds us: “With great power comes great responsibility.”

I’m sure you can think of people — famous or not — who lived a zealous life that changed the world for good. Maybe you know people doing that now. Maybe it’s you.

But it would not shock me if at least one name in your head is someone who passionately supported a person or cause that did more harm than good.

Some passions are misguided and others are intentionally evil.

Zeal in the Bible

Let’s look at the life of the Apostle Paul in the Bible. Paul is both a historical figure and one who lived zealously for both evil and good.

In Philippians 3:5-8 (NLT), Paul summarizes his story.

“⁵ I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. ⁶ I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault.

⁷ I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. ⁸ Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ.”

Notice how Paul starts with an admission. Not only did he spend part of his life killing Christians, but he did so zealously, out of passionate obedience to his religion.

Yet, what he once thought was “valuable” or worth pursuing, he eventually realized was “garbage” after learning the truth and following Jesus.

His zeal to take the lives of Christians became zeal to spread the message of eternal life that is only found in Christ.

So great was his zealousness for Jesus and the Gospel (aka. good news of salvation) that he suffered the rest of his life for this cause.

In 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 (NLT), we learn that Paul was imprisoned, severely lashed and beaten on numerous occasions, stoned, shipwrecked, robbed, and threatened. And sometimes, he went without food, water, adequate clothing, and sleep.

But in Philippians 1:21-24 (NLT), Paul makes another powerful confession of sorts.

“²¹ For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. ²² But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. ²³ I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. ²⁴ But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.”

Paul was willing to die to spread God’s truth because he knew—this time—that it was a worthy cause with eternal value.

Supporting a Cause with Passion

What does living with zeal look like in your life today?

How can you support a person, cause, or idea — one that will change the world for the better! — with a passion and fervor that is all your own?

God made each one of us unique. Your passions won’t look exactly like mine. The causes that light a fire in me may be different than the ones you pursue. And that’s okay!

We all have the power to change this world for better or for worse — collectively and individually.

I, for one, choose the Jesus way. Are you with me?!