Fillmore points to the importance of our God-given ability to be zealous, enthusiastic about life and living. He also details the limitation of a life that is lacking in the development of this faculty, comparing the person to “an engine without steam or an electric motor without a current.” Actually, as with all the 12 attributes of man, Zeal has been given to each of us in bountiful measure. It is simply the failure of the individual to accept this free-flowing abundance that results in a life which is stagnant, limited, “without steam,” pointless, dull and disappointing. The faculty of Zeal is represented by Simon, the Canaanite, who changed his way of life and became zealous for Truth teaching when he made the decision to follow Jesus. When we unite Zeal with the other 11 powers, it pours itself out as spiritual energy and follows through in developing the whole person. Together with Zeal, the other powers are designed to help us to awaken from ego to spirit and align our lives with the allness of the omnipotence of God. In the month of October, spiritualized Zeal is one of those powers on which we focus to bring about our oneness with God.
When I think of the faculty of Zeal, I remember that through the years, when I have a project to complete, a speech to deliver, or a moment of excitement to share, I get over-anxious, somewhat nervous, too eager or too “happy-glad.” The best names I can call those feelings are over-zealousness or over-enthusiasm.
Through Charles Fillmore, I have learned that Zeal is a necessary faculty of mind, but it has to be tempered; it has to be controlled and managed. When it is overdone, it can be easily misunderstood and misused. If we don’t use Zeal under the direction of the Christ, it can become “giddy zeal.” It has to be combined with well-thought-out wisdom just as the other faculties we have studied. The purpose of this article is to teach you and me how to use the attribute of zeal/enthusiasm under the direction of the Christ. Zealousness is an important attribute, and our concern is to create it in everything we do because without Zeal, it actually means being without the zest for living because it is the impulse to go forward, the urge that adds motivation, excitement and joy to activities. We cannot be over zealous or giddy with Zeal, we must not allow this faculty to run away with our judgment. We cannot afford to allow ourselves to rush into activities. The best way to practice Zeal is to start slowly and gain momentum as we progress. This is how we approach any unfamiliar activity in our life, world, and affairs. Think of the pull of a train; note how slowly but steadily it moves forward from the start. Almost by inches at first, until it begins to gradually disappear into the distance. In order to grow spiritually, the same principle applies as we grow slowly, firmly, and soundly. The question is, “How do we develop genuine spiritual Zeal under God direction?” If we desire something, desire goes before every act of our lives, but we must be zealous in pursuit of it in order to obtain the object of our desire. Therefore, we shall not repress the spirit of Zeal. It means, “go forward,” and again, allow your zeal to be tempered with sincerity and wisdom. When we are filled with spiritual enthusiasm, we are joyous and energetic; our senses are activated and awakened to new life. We will then have a new feeling of being vitally alive. --Psalm 51:10 Expresses it best in saying, “Renew a right Spirit within me.” And, so it is . . . .
By Satoria E. P. Lindsey • Competent and Able Toastmasters Certificates • Licensed Johnnie Colemon Institute (JCI) teacher • Former JCI Youth Expressing (YEC) Sponsor • Retired High School Teacher • Unity Chaplain • MS Degree, Cleveland State University Twelve-Powers Meditation Exercise on Zeal What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” --Mark 11:24 Relax and close eyes. For a moment, enjoy resting your eyes on the dark field of velvety blackness into which you seem to be gazing. Now let your attention go the back of your neck. Let it rest there for a moment, like a soft, golden circle of light. Then say or think silently: The Christ within me is quickening, baptizing and training my faculty of Zeal, represented by the Disciple, Simon, the Cananaean. Immediately you will feel a sense of peace, an easing of tension: your breathing will respond by getting deeper and more rhythmic. Perhaps there may even be a sigh of relief and release. Now affirm: I am motivated from within by wisdom and love. I do that which is before me to do with zeal and enthusiasm. I work with the speed of Spirit: easily, uhurriedly, gracefully. I am grateful--thank you, God. (repeat meditation exercise if you wish) References Portions of this article were summarized from the following sources: Adam Smashing Power of Mind, (by Charles Fillmore, Unity Classic Library, 1995). Your God-Given Potential, Unfolding the 12 Spiritual Powers (by Winifred Wilkinson Hausmann, 1978). A Twelve-Power Meditation Exercise, (by Charles Roth, 1989). The Twelve Powers, (by Charles and Cora Fillmore, 1994). Unity Classic Library Series