Lead with Zeal | Morning Routine Daily Devotional for March 2

Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. — Romans 12:6-8 ESV

In the book of Romans, Paul writes about God’s judgment and righteousness, salvation through Christ, and how we are to act considering our salvation. In chapter 12, Paul instructs about being a living sacrifice, the gifts believers have through the grace given to us, and the habits we should develop as believers. In a metaphor using the human body, Paul instructs those with different spiritual gifts how to exercise those gifts. In verse eight, the apostle tells those who lead to do so with zeal or enthusiasm. 

A survey was done of the top leaders of the fortune 500 companies concerning the traits or characteristics they look for in those in leadership and in the workforce. One of the questions was,

“What is the most important thing you look for in a leader or manager?” 

From a list of possible responses including “product knowledge” and “gets along well with colleagues” and “hard work” and “excellent communicator,” the top response was unanimous: “enthusiasm for the job.” According to Merriam-Webster, the origins of the word enthusiasm come from the Greek word enthousiasmos which means to be inspired by God or having God (Theos) within. When someone has “God within,” no matter the circumstances, good, bad, or uncertain, God is with them.  

We cannot control life’s events, but we can enthusiastically control how we respond and how we lead with God in us. I agree with the secular pundits, Fortune 500 executives, and the Holy Scriptures. Live and lead with enthusiasm!