The Zeal Factor—Moving from Emotion to Action in 2026

The Zeal Factor

There is a difference between being excited about God and being entrusted by God.

That distinction has been heavy on my heart.

Many people experience the joy of being born again, and rightly so. Salvation is powerful. It is emotional. It is transformative. But being born again is not the finish line. It is the doorway. It is an invitation into the family business of God.

Sonship is not passive. It is administrative.

Zeal Is More Than Desire

When most people hear the word zeal, they think of intensity. Passion. Fire.

But zeal, in the Kingdom, is far more disciplined than it is emotional.

True zeal begins with love. Not love as a feeling, but love as a commitment to the will of the Father. From there comes conviction. A settled certainty that truth is truth even when it costs you.

Zeal carries urgency because it understands that time matters. The mission matters. What God is doing cannot be treated casually.

There is also obedience attached to zeal. Not delayed obedience. Not partial obedience. Energetic obedience. Moving when God speaks.

Then comes sacrifice. Staying faithful when there is no applause. When obedience goes unseen. When consistency feels costly.

And finally, courage. The refusal to bow to the flesh when pressure is applied. Real zeal does not collapse when circumstances push back.

When Zeal Lacks Knowledge

Scripture warns us about having zeal for God that is not according to knowledge. I have seen this too often.

People who love God deeply but do not know His ways. Passionate believers who end up frustrated because they attempt to establish their own version of righteousness instead of submitting to God’s.

Knowledge governs zeal. Without it, zeal turns into self effort, burnout, and spiritual pride.

In this season, just enough is no longer sufficient. God is calling His people into an exceedingly and abundantly above way of living. That level of life only comes through disciplined engagement with the Word. Not skimming. Not quoting. Studying. Applying. Submitting.

Diversity With Responsibility

The Body of Christ is beautifully diverse. That diversity is intentional.

Romans 12 reminds us that every member has a function. No one is unnecessary. No role is insignificant.

I like to say even the toenail matters. You may never notice it until it is injured, but without it, balance is affected. Health is compromised.

Unity does not mean sameness. Unity means responsibility. Each part doing its work for the sake of the whole.

From Receiver to Distributor

One of the dangers in modern Christianity is staying perpetually positioned as a receiver.

God never intended maturity to stop at intake.

Jesus shows us this in the miracle of the loaves and fishes. What was offered seemed insufficient. But once it was placed in His hands, it became more than enough.

This is how the Kingdom works.

As sons and daughters, we are not just believing. We are supplying. We are distribution centers for grace, mercy, truth, and righteousness. God multiplies what we surrender so that others may be fed.

Growing Into Sonship

You are not just born again to feel saved. You are born again into a family. And families have responsibility.

God grows us through the application of His Word. Through discipline. Through knowledge. Through obedience.

Zeal matters. But governed zeal changes everything.

This is the Zeal Factor.