Serving the Lord through Our Holiness

Examining Scripture:

“Not slothful in business;
fervent in spirit;
serving the Lord;”
Romans 12:11

Evaluating Soil:

When we hone in on a single verse of Scripture, it can often seem so simple and self-explanatory that we miss the depth of its meaning and application. A more detailed look at Romans 12:11 helped me see that it’s another important step in living a holy, sacrificial life.

Let’s consider the definitions and what it means to be:

• Not slothful in business
• Fervent in spirit
• Serving the Lord

Slothful – Greek #3636 – oknēros
From G3635; tardy, that is, indolent; (figuratively) irksome: –

Indolent, adjective 
Habitually idle or indisposed to labor; lazy; listless; sluggish; indulging in ease; applied to persons. (Websters (Online) Dictionary,1928)

Business – Greek #4710 – spoudē
From G4692; “speed”, that is, (by implication) despatch, eagerness, earnestness: –

Fervent – Greek #2204 – zeō
A primary verb; to be hot (boil, of liquids; or glow, of solids), that is, (figuratively) be fervid (earnest): –

Fervid, adjective 
2. Very warm in zeal; vehement; eager; earnest; as fervid zeal.
(Websters (Online) Dictionary,1928)

Spirit – Greek #4151 – pneuma
From G4154; a current of air, that is, breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively a spirit, that is, (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, daemon, or (divine) God, Christ’s spirit, the Holy spirit: –

Serving – Greek #1398 – douleuō
From G1401; to be a slave to (literally or figuratively, involuntarily or voluntarily): –

(Greek Definitions taken from the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance)

Soak that in…

Experiencing Seasons:

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve served in my home, church, and community when my head, heart, and hands weren’t in it. I’ve served weary and weak, spiritually depleted, and in the flesh.  I’ve done, what I thought were meaningful tasks for God, with regret, resentment, exhaustion, and just to meet others’ expectations.

Sadly, those were not beneficial endeavors or examples of holiness. They were shallow, unspiritual, self-serving activities that profited little in my life.

Embracing Solace:

My desire today is to serve the Lord with my whole heart more deliberately and passionately. There is great comfort in serving God voluntarily and not because we feel we have to. Willing obedience brings solace.

Enjoying Simplicity:

Pleasing God and producing what He wants is much simpler when done with a fervent, holy heart. Self-centered service breeds conflict, confusion, and complexity.

Employing Solutions:

Here’s how Romans 12:11 applies to our service today:

1. Not Slothful in business means to not be:
   • Slow
   • Sluggish
   • Habitually Idle
   • Indisposed to Labor
   • Lazy
   • Listless
   • Indulging in Ease
     
2. Fervent in spirit means to be:
   • Warm in zeal
   • Vehement (passionate)
   • Eager
   • Earnest

God knows when we’re not fervent in our service to Him and we’re doing things for the wrong reasons without energy and eagerness. It’s clear when we’re fulfilling our agendas, pleasing others, or serving out of obligation. Others can also see when our motives and actions aren’t holy and sincere.

We must ask ourselves, “Are we losing interest, just trying to get by, and not giving God our all? Are our hearts strong and in the right place?”

If not, we can be, by renewing our minds and conforming our lives to God’s plans for us. (Romans 12:2) We can prioritize our holiness and renew our passion for serving our Creator.

Bring It Home

In what ways are you feeling slothful or fervent in your service to the Lord?

Praying for you as we grow together,
Smiles, BRC