When Zeal Runs Ahead of Grace

Zeal aligned—letting Christ shift us into the right gear.

Devotional Credit:
Abide Above — Zeal’s Precocity

Photo Credit:
Photo by Unsplash

There is a certain charm to youthful passion—an energy that bursts forth with conviction, ready to do something “great for God.” But Scripture warns us that not all zeal is sanctified. Paul testified of Israel’s fervor: “They have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge” (Romans 10:2). Zeal without understanding may look impressive, but it can be deeply misguided.

J.B. Stoney’s insights remind us that it’s easier to redirect enthusiasm than to awaken the spiritually slothful. Yet, the danger in immature zeal is real. In our eagerness, we may run ahead of the Holy Spirit, doing the right thing in the wrong way—motivated more by fleshly energy than Christ’s indwelling life. True spiritual maturity doesn’t merely possess theological insight—it walks in step with grace and love, manifesting the nature of Christ.

Zeal often exposes how unbroken we still are. The habits of the crucified old self, which has no part in the things of God, must be denied daily. There’s a sobering recognition that even a correct knowledge of doctrine will not mature us unless we yield to the Spirit’s transforming work in our hearts. Without this, knowledge becomes prideful—and pride is always near the trap door of the enemy.

Ultimately, Stoney invites us to deeper communion, not louder activity. We grow not by increasing our output, but by abiding in Christ who lives His life through us. The result? We become better representatives of His gentle, patient heart.

Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture

My child, I see your eagerness to serve, your desire to represent Me well. Your heart races with purpose, yet I invite you to pause—not to hinder you, but to realign you with Me. Zeal is not unwelcome; I gave you a spirit of power and love. But power without love becomes ambition, and knowledge without grace becomes pride.

You are not called to perform for Me, but to walk with Me. My Son learned obedience through what He suffered, not through headlong activity. Let Me guide your steps—not only toward truth but into the way that truth is expressed. I am patient, and I will teach you to walk as I walked: in humility, not haste.

Let Me remind you: your old self has no part in My kingdom. It cannot produce My fruit. So deny it—not by your effort, but by surrender. I already crucified that self with Christ. Now, live by Me. Trust that I know how to express Myself through you in each moment.

Do not be discouraged when you discover you’ve acted in your own strength. That realization is grace. It is I who opens your eyes and draws you closer to My likeness. I do not call you to stifle your zeal, but to purify it in the fire of communion with Me.

Walk by My Spirit, and you will not carry out the impulses of the flesh. Wait for Me in the quiet, and I will lead you into all wisdom. Let your knowledge flow from intimacy, and your actions from dependence. In Me is the knowledge and the way. In Me is the zeal and the grace.

Scripture References: Romans 10:2; Galatians 5:16, 22-25; Philippians 3:3-10; 2 Corinthians 3:5-6; 2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Corinthians 8:1; 1 Timothy 3:6; Romans 6:6; Galatians 2:20; John 15:4-5; Hebrews 5:8; Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 1:27-28

Real-Life Analogy

Think of a car engine revving loudly in neutral. It sounds like movement, but it’s going nowhere. The power is there, the noise is there, the fuel is being spent—but there’s no traction. That’s what zeal without direction is like—impressive, perhaps, but fruitless.

Now, imagine gently shifting into gear and letting the car glide forward under steady control. The power hasn’t diminished—it’s simply aligned.

In that moment when you feel passionate to act but haven’t stopped to listen, pause. Let the Holy Spirit align your zeal with His pace. For instance, if you're stirred to confront someone or speak truth into a situation, ask the Lord, “Am I doing this in Your way, or in my timing?” Trust the Spirit to guide your tone, your timing, and your manner. This is how Christ lives His life through you—when your yielded heart becomes His steering wheel.

Prayer of Confidence

Father, thank You for giving me a zeal that desires Your glory. Thank You for also giving me Your Spirit who aligns that zeal with Your nature. I trust You to temper my passion with Your peace, and to express through me the gentleness, patience, and wisdom of Christ. I rest today in the truth that I don’t need to run ahead—I can walk with You, yoked to Your love. And in that pace, there is power. Thank You for already giving me all I need for life and godliness. I choose to live today from that sufficiency.

Amen.