As a Christian, have you ever wrestled with the question: “How should I talk, smile, answer questions, ask questions? How should I work or even walk?” Our very posture and demeanor convey a message to the world around us. In a broader sense, what spirit or attitude should define us?

The Bible provides general principles and invites us to apply them personally, in detail, and across various situations. So, what does Scripture say about these matters?

The answer and exhortation I have is from Romans 12:11, “Be fervent in spirit…” That is, be fervent in your inner man. Think, it is the Holy Spirit’s desire to make you fervent, burning, glowing for God.

This verse is not talking about purity necessarily, but rather the force and warmth of our spirit. It is a measure of our devotion. 10,000 volts of electricity is no more pure than 10, but far more powerful, much hotter. This word commands us to fight depression and dullness. The wise man of old said, “Whatever your hand finds to do, verily, do it with all your might.” Who likes lukewarmness? Have you ever had lukewarm milk to drink? Just one sip and you cry, “I wish it was hot or cold but this is sickening,” Truly, not man nor God likes lukewarmness. One of the most fearful words in all of Scriptures is Rev. 3:14-16, “And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this: ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I would that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.” The worst condition a Christian can be in is lukewarm—just average, just common, no fuss, no muss, no trouble, no bubble, just there! How disgusting is a low fire! What athlete ever amounted to anything that was not vigorous; and furthermore, any coach will tell you that one of the easiest ways to get hurt is by trying to protect yourself – not hitting hard.

The Role of Fervency in Christian Success

Much of our Christian success is tied up in this exhortation. Think of the area of prayer. Ames says, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” A low flame won’t start the kindling. Half force won’t win the war. Many a nut won’t crack loose from the bolt without all you’ve got. Is there any heat in your prayers? Any “oh!” in your prayers? Any persuasion, desperation, or sensation in your prayers? (Col. 4:12; Luke 22:44) Woe to you if your prayers put the church to sleep! Likely they put God to sleep, too. Elijah’s prayer reached heaven and opened heaven. He prayed earnestly says the Scriptures. Jacob wrestled, Hannah wept, David roared, he poured out his heart. Jesus prayer with strong cryings and tears. The prayers of the Puritans were said to be like white-hot bolts of lightening shot at the battlements of heaven.

How about your conversation, Psalm 145:7, witnessing, or preaching? Apollos’ manner is a challenge to me, for his divine biography reads, “fervent in spirit… spoke out boldly… powerfully refuted!” Is there any warmth, any persuasiveness, any authority in your message and ministry? Do you (Psalm 145:7) eagerly utter…? John the Baptist not only had light but heat too–”he was a burning and shining light!” Baxter said, “Nothing is more indecent, than a dead preacher speaking to dead sinners the living truth of the living God.” We hear news men report their fictions as truths but we deliver our truths as fictions. How awful! We are dealing with eternal realities—eternal life, eternal death. The minister that doesn’t put his heart into his sermon will never put his sermon into the hearts of his people. King James remarked of one of his chaplains–”This man preaches before me just as if death was seated at his elbow.” Jesus message and ministry was characterized by zeal. How can we treat sin casually? It doesn’t treat us casually?

Fervent Love for One Another

What about brotherly love? Peter says, “About all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.” It is not enough to serve one another with drudgery. Rebekah ran to get the water and that was just for a stranger’s camels. When a brother comes to your door are you glad to see him or do you tell him he’s a nuisance by your failure to rise? Anything less than fervent love comes across as cruelty and rejection. The cold shoulder is mean. If we’re not courteous, we’re curt. To be curt is to hurt. The lack of a phone call says, “You don’t really matter.” The failure to writer says, “I’m too busy for you.” There ought to be an affection for one another. Timothy’s report to Paul of the affection of the Thessalonians was gospel to him. Listen to the words of the apostle, “(he) has brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always think kindly of us longing to see us just as we also long to see you.” (1 Th. 3.6b) Fervent love has a desire for other’s welfare and a hearty endeavor to promote it—sincere, strong, sure and supreme–”above all things.” It is not enough for Christians not to bear malice for one another, they must intensely and fervently love each other. And, notice, it is the property of such love to cover a multitude of sins for it inclines people to forgive and forget offenses against themselves, to cover and conceal the sins of others rather than aggravate and spread them abroad. IT teaches us to love those who are weak and those who have been guilty of many things before their conversion. IT makes a place for mercy from God who has promised to forgive those that forgive. We are required much more than to just put up with one another, rather be devoted.

A Call to Action

So, brethren, let’s deal with sin and keep the dead wood out of the Spirit’s blow through our hearts. Let’s deal with sloth for that’s is a resistance to the flow of Divine electricity through me. You served sin with all your heart, now be even more zealous for righteousness. The saints of old out of weakness were made strong; they became mighty in war. So rise up Christian soldier! Take this mountain by force! Possess your possessions. Believe God for more spiritual strength.