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Zeal without knowledge: A blessing or a curse?

It’s not uncommon for us to meet people who exhibit deep passion for a cause, a belief, or even a new discovery. Their enthusiasm is palpable, their energy boundless, and their drive commendable. Yet, without the right knowledge and guidance, zeal can sometimes lead to unintended consequences, becoming more of a stumbling block than a stepping stone.

Take, for instance, a scenario I encountered many years ago. Imagine a young man, brimming with excitement, introducing an older gentleman as his father to everyone around him. He might mimic his supposed father’s walk, dress like him, and speak in ways that reflect his admiration. He may even go as far as to change his last name to match that of this man he reveres so much. To an outsider, everything points to the fact that this man must be his father.

But the truth remains — only the older man can confirm if he’s truly the boy’s father. The youth’s zeal, however genuine, does not make the relationship real. This analogy reminds me of the early days of my Christian journey, when I zealously pursued God, mistakenly thinking that outward actions alone were enough to define my relationship with Him. I learned quickly that zeal, no matter how fervent, must be backed by wisdom and understanding.

April 16, 1972, marked a pivotal day for me as I committed my life to Christ. Eager to serve, I plunged headfirst into Christian ministry. At the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, I quickly became a regular at Christian Union Fellowship meetings, and soon, I was sharing my newfound faith and even receiving invitations to minister at various churches.

As my fervour grew, it caught the attention of the fellowship leaders. When the time came to elect new leaders, I found myself being considered for a leadership role. To many, my dedication seemed like a natural fit for the position. But inwardly, I knew I was still young in faith, still learning, and not fully equipped for the responsibility that came with leadership. Despite my zeal, I humbly declined the offer, realising that enthusiasm alone was not enough. Looking back, it was the right decision. God wants not just our passion, but also the wisdom to use it rightly.

Zeal without knowledge can manifest in various ways, some more harmless than others. I once knew a new convert who was so overwhelmed by her transformation that she threw away her entire musical set because she had previously used it for worldly music. She failed to see that the same set could have been repurposed to glorify God through worship music. Thankfully, we were able to retrieve it, and she later used it in service to God.

Sadly, not every story ends on such a positive note. There have been instances where people who started their faith journey with fervour ended up backsliding into old habits because they lacked a foundation of solid understanding. Without wisdom and knowledge to anchor zeal, such passion can wane quickly, leaving one vulnerable to old temptations.

Zeal without knowledge is not limited to personal spiritual growth; it can also play out in social and family settings. I recall a situation where a cousin of mine became overly zealous after embracing her faith. She distanced herself from family traditions without tact, straining relationships and creating unnecessary hostility. Such an approach, while rooted in good intentions, often yields negative outcomes.

This lack of balance is not just a challenge for new converts. Even mature believers can fall into the trap of misplaced zeal. I once found myself judging a fellow believer simply because a sister placed her hand on his shoulder. As a new convert, I wept at the sight, interpreting it as inappropriate contact between a brother and a sister. Only later did I learn that she was a medical student administering first aid to a sick colleague.

This is where the balance of wisdom, knowledge and zeal becomes crucial. Passion without discernment can be damaging. However, when zeal is guided by the wisdom of experience, it can bear much fruit and positively influence those around us.

My journey has taught me that zeal, while commendable, needs the guidance of knowledge and the maturity of experience. Even in sensitive community situations, such as burials or traditional ceremonies, I’ve found that zeal must be carefully harnessed. When my senior uncle passed away, the family demanded that we serve alcohol at his burial. While my faith convictions would not allow it, I approached the issue with wisdom and respect. Instead of creating a scene, I found ways to engage with the elders respectfully, ensuring that our faith-based decisions were understood and respected.

For further comment, Please contact: Osondu Anyalechi:   0909 041 9057; [email protected]

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