I’ve heard it said that when you bump a cup, what’s in it spills out.  That’s what came to mind this morning as I  was reading in 2 Kings this morning.  

Jehu said, “Come with me and see my zeal for the LORD.”
Then he had him ride along in his chariot. (2 Kings 10:16).

Zeal in the Hebrew language (qin’ah) means ardent zeal for anyone. Ardent is defined as being  characterized by warmth of feeling typically expressed in eager zealous support or activity.  Zeal is a strong feeling of interest and enthusiasm that makes someone very eager or determined to do something.  Both of those words have passion as a synonym (the emotion as distinguished from reason; intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction; ardent affection).  

While we have come a long way from driving chariots, I did ask myself, “If I invited someone to hop in the car with me, what would they see?”  Would they see my testiness while driving my car?  My annoyance with people?  My stress in getting from point A to point B?  My impatience?  Sad to say, probably yes, yes, yes, and yes.  But would they see my intense passion for The Lord?  Uhhhh, probably not. Sad to say, it would probably depend on the day and what I had gone through.

Wow…This humbles me a great deal and grieves my heart more than words can convey. I say I love Jesus, but my feelings and actions don’t always support my words. 

Oh Lord, give me an undivided heart that I may serve You with impassioned passion that is consistent and noticeable to all. I so desire to impact others for your Kingdom. Please help me to keep my eyes firmly fixed on the goal of reflecting Who You are to those with whom I have contact today.  Help me empty myself of my “me-centered” attitude and fill me to overflowing with Your Spirit. 

The other day I heard that “when you bump a cup, whatever is in it spills out“.  We are going to have bad days with trying circumstances, and our reactions are going to be telltale as to what “our cup” is full of.  Will others see bitterness? Annoyance? Anger? Impatience? Or when we are jostled by the events of our day, will people see Jesus? 

“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives:
love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, 
faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” –Galatians 5:22

Yup, it’s been an OUCH! kinda morning…