Per Oxford Languages, the word zealous means “showing great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or objective.” When do the zealous please God? The answer: when the zealous pursue a right relationship with him as their King.

God gave us his Son, Jesus, to “redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession.” The Holy God of the universe wanted us to be fit for heaven so that we could dwell in his perfection. Jesus gave his life so that we could live as the redeemed, purified children of God.

Then Paul described what it means to live worthy of God’s sacrifice for our redemption. Paul taught that we should be “zealous for good works.” What Paul was saying was that we should be “zealous” to do the works God wants to accomplish through the direction of his Holy Spirit in our lives.

I sometimes wonder what people of other cultures think when they see film clips of football fans at a playoff game. What do you think when you attend or watch a political rally? The evening news often reflects the zealous behavior of people who have no knowledge or goal of pleasing God with their “good works.” 

Most Christians understand that God has called us to live a life of doing good wherever we go. Not as many understand that we are to be zealous with our witness and works.

When last were you “zealous for good works,” as Paul suggested? Wisdom is pleasing God. God wants more than our Christian activity. God wants us to be zealous Christians who live with passionate faith and compassionate love for those around us. That zeal is pleasing to God.