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“"Zeal for the Wrong Things"”

Thoughts for Today:

In our passage today, Paul uses a literary technique or style called "litotes". The dictionary defines "litotes" as: "A figure of speech in which understatement is employed for rhetorical effect, principally via double negatives." For example, rather than saying that a woman is attractive, it might be said that it is "she is not unattractive". Litotes usually occur when the speaker or writer chooses not to make a direct positive or negative statement, but instead denies the opposite.

Paul's use of "litotes" is in the phrase, "but for no good." He might have said more clearly, "The Judaizers are trying hard to win you over for their benefit -- not yours." Paul's using a different technique to communicate a very important message: Be careful with these people -- they are passionate and zealous, but NOT for the right things or with good intentions.

Paul then gives us the reason for their effort: "So that you may have zeal for them." Isn't that the way with many so-called "great leaders"? Their primary agenda is not for the benefit of those they lead, but to enhance their own personal finances, achieve greater power in the community, and/or to satisfy the need of their egos. Paul warns the Galatians, "Their purpose is for you to follow them, not God."

Questions to Ponder:

Someone might be zealous, but zealousness alone doesn't mean correctness or accuracy. This is a very important point for many of us to consider. So many people are swayed to another's way of thinking not by the soundness or accuracy of the Biblical argument, but rather with the passion or personality of the speaker. Have you become susceptible to the zeal or charisma of a leader? Test any statements or beliefs by the absolute truth of Scripture. Is it clearly supported?

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About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.