Lidian Neeleman|dreamstime.com

Challenged to grow in spiritual affection, I chose the affection where I am weakest—zeal. I don’t like this word. After doing a word study, I know why.

I went to my old dictionary (The Universal Dictionary of the English Language edited at Oxford University by Henry Cecil  Wyld, 1938) and to Dictionary.com. The hardbound book defines zeal as intense enthusiasm for a person, cause or enterprise; ardor or fervor, and notes the origins of the word:

• French zele
• Latin zelus
• Greek zelos, emulation
• Slovene jal, envy
• Slav. jaru, furious
• Scrt. ydvan, persecutor

The digital source defines zeal as fervor for a person, cause or object; eager desire or endeavor; enthusiastic diligence, ardor.

Without the etymology, the source of my discomfort lies buried. It’s those meanings—envy, fury, persecution—that are the seeds of decay. Fervor and ardor for any person, place or thing turn bitter when anger, malice and spite enter the heart.

If we are lukewarm in our zeal, we are ineffective. If we turn up the heat, we court some intense feelings, not all of them good.

For a writer, determination takes courage in the face of rejection. Enthusiasm for the craft, fervent pursuit of excellence and passion for the power of words carry us to heights of creativity. Emulating the current hot author, expediting publication of careless work, and envying another’s success eats out our hearts.