In contrast to good zeal, there is bad zeal. Untamed energy can be destructive. Often, untamed (perhaps undisciplined) zeal can lash out and damage others. Even when the zeal seeks to promote a worthy cause, it can be damaging to relationships and injurious to people. Here again, social media offers examples of perhaps well-intended, but destructive zeal. One does not have to read but a few postings and find writings that “defend” a godly cause with devilish attacks. This is why I commend one to limit the time spent on social media sites.
Destructive zeal can also be focused on worldly desires and causes. In any case, it is recognized by its harshness, subjugating tactics, and demeaning tones. Long before the devices of technology and instantaneous communications, there were displays of zealous behavior in communities. St. Peter’s rashness at the transfiguration, the last supper of our Lord, or his defense of Christ in the garden are examples.
There is a good zeal. It is motivated by the affection for others that is apparent throughout the narrative of The Rule. Good zeal encourages us to actively seek the good of others. The tenets in this chapter include:
- Try to be the first in showing respect to one another
- Supporting one another’s weaknesses of body or behavior with the greatest patience
- Competing in trying to show obedience to one another
- Not pursuing what we think is best for ourselves but looking for what is best for the other
- Giving a pure love of brothers and sisters to the other brothers and sisters
- Giving loving fear to God
- Giving honest and humble love to their abbot
So, let our competition be to “try to be the first to show respect to the other (Rom 12:10).”
