God, in his word, greatly insist that we be in good earnest, fervent in spirit, and that our hearts be engaged vigorously in our religion. Romans 12:11 “Be not slothful in business; fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” Even in the Old Testament the children of Israel were given the same command, see Deut. 10:12. This fervent, vigorous engagement of the heart is the fruit of real circumcision of the heart that alone has the promise of life! See Deut. 30:6. If we are not earnest in our religion, and if our wills and inclinations are not strongly exercised, we are nothing. The reality is simply this: You are only earnest and fervent for what your affectionate about. Think of it this way, affection we call covetousness moves people to seek worldly goods. The affection we call ambition moves people to seek worldly glory. The list could go on and on…. Now on the contrary, affection for God moves people towards holiness! We pursue our affections and without affection there would be no movement in the world. Affection is the very thing that sets us moving in our lives and causes us to engage in activities. Your activities are a true reflection of what your affectionate about! Nothing is more apparent than this: our religion takes root within us only as deep as our affections attract it!
