2 Corinthians 9:2 For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.

The simple thought from today’s reading is this: what is my zeal provoking others to do? I guess I could take it a step further: Do I have zeal to begin with? Is it evident to those around me? Paul told the Corinthians that the zeal that they a year earlier, to meet the needs of others, had provoked many others to get involved, and themselves to make a difference.

Zealous people are contagious. We’ve all seen and been around them. They rub off on people. Here at the college we’ve given our students an opportunity to help sponsor some national students through Bible college this semester. Yesterday, one of our students came in with a beaming smile, from ear to ear. One of our staff said, “you’re mighty happy today.” The student showed us a receipt and said with excitement, “I just gave to help sponsor my national college student. That’ll make anyone happy!” That did something for me!

What is our zeal causing others to do or be? Might we be zealous for the Lord and His work. Our zeal will provoke others. Might we get fired up ourselves, and then provoke others to love and to good works (Heb 10:24).