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

The word “fervent” might well have been translated “earnest” or “ardent.” The word “spirit” has a small “s”, therefore it does not refer to the Holy Spirit, but to the natural spirit of man. The context is speaking to the members of the “Body of Christ.” “So we, being many, are one Body in Christ, and every one members one of another.” (Romans 1 2:5) So, to paraphrase we might say, “Not slothful in the Lord’s business, earnest or fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.”

I am astounded at the zeal shown in the world. The golfer will be on the golf course at sunup, ready to play eighteen holes. The skier will drive hundreds of miles to find the best snow. Sports addicts act as if crazed at sports events, yet members of the visible Body of Christ on earth show a casual and even non-chalant attitude in their standing. Most gather once or twice a week, sing a few songs, listen to a pastor or speaker and go home. We are not “fervent in spirit!” We are not aglow, red hot, burning with the spiritual fire in our spirit. We do not rejoice in the promise of the gospel, patient in suffering, and constant in prayer: “Rejoicing in hope (Gk. promise); patient in tribulation: continuing instant in prayer.” (Romans 12:12)

The gospel has become an old, old story to some; instead of patiently enduring suffering and tribulation, many go from prayer-line to prayer-line, seeking deliverance. Be honest with yourself, how much time do you spend each day in prayer? We are not “fervent in spirit!!”

Raising hands while singing or dancing the charismatic two-step is not “fervent in spirit.” A fervent spirit cannot be seen in overt actions. A fervent spirit is one that presents the body it controls as a living sacrifice to God. A fervent spirit lives a holy life and is not conformed to this world. A fervent spirit has a renewed mind and exhibits the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Rom. 12:1-2) A fervent spirit is not a showoff! It never tells what it has done or how many it has led to Christ. A fervent spirit is quiet and peaceful: “...that we might lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” (1 Tim. 2:2) A fervent spirit is not excited and out of control, but is quiet and peaceful: “But let it be the inward adorning and beauty of the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible and unfading charm of a gentle and peaceful spirit, which (is not anxious or wrought up, but) is very precious in the sight of God.” (1 Peter 3:4 Amplified) A fervent spirit is one that is sanctified by the Word of God and prayer.

Paul’s charge to Timothy is a word picture of a fervent spirit: “But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.” (1 Timothy 6:11)

A fervent spirit must be renewed and refreshed daily by the Word of God and prayer. Think of a fervent spirit as a special anointing from God. I like Hebrews’ term: “the oil of gladness”: “Thou hast loved righteousness and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.” (Heb. 1:9)

(Reprinted from Number 368, July 1994 issue of “The Testimony of Truth” with permission from “People of the Living God”)

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