From the Minister's Desk ...

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The Spiritual Power of Zeal: The Fire That Moves the Soul

By Charles Fillmore and the Unity Understanding/

In the teachings of Unity School of Christianity, founded by Charles and Myrtle Fillmore, there are twelve spiritual powers that reside in every person. Each one is a divine faculty of the soul, and together they form the foundation of spiritual mastery. Among these powers, the one that sparks action, ignites enthusiasm, and fuels purpose is the Power of Zeal.//

Charles Fillmore often described zeal as the “inward fire of the soul.” It is that spiritual energy that urges us forward, the motivating power that helps us move from intention to expression. Zeal is not mere human excitement or nervous energy; rather, it is the deep, divine impulse that inspires creation, transformation, and progress.

Zeal as a Divine Energy

Fillmore wrote, “Zeal is the great universal force that impels man to spring forward in a field of endeavor and accomplish the seemingly miraculous.” In his view, zeal is woven into the very fabric of creation. It is the life impulse of the universe — the same force that propels the planets in their orbits and stirs the seed to break open and grow.

In Unity metaphysics, zeal is one of the twelve powers anchored in the soul and expressed through the body. It is associated with the disciple Simon the Zealot, symbolizing divine enthusiasm and boldness. Fillmore believed that just as faith anchors us, wisdom guides us, and love harmonizes us, zeal is the power that gets us moving. Without zeal, faith would be static, and love would remain unexpressed.

The “Sizzle” of Spirit

One of Fillmore’s most famous affirmations captures his understanding of zeal perfectly:

“I fairly sizzle with zeal and enthusiasm and spring forth with a mighty faith to do the things that ought to be done by me.”

This declaration is more than positive thinking — it is a spiritual practice. By affirming zeal, we awaken that divine energy that already resides within us. Fillmore encouraged everyone to speak words that stir the soul into action, because speech, thought, and feeling are channels of divine power.

In Fillmore’s later years, he lived what he taught. Even well into his nineties, he was known to rise each morning and speak that affirmation aloud. His zeal was not bound by age or circumstance; it was fueled by spiritual awareness — a recognition that life, as divine energy, is eternally renewing itself.

Zeal vs. Impulse

Unity teaches that zeal must be directed by wisdom and love to avoid becoming reckless enthusiasm or wasted motion. Fillmore observed that zeal, without understanding, can scatter energy instead of focusing it. The balance between the fire of zeal and the calmness of wisdom is what makes spiritual maturity possible.

He wrote, “Let zeal be tempered with judgment, otherwise it runs ahead of discretion and makes many mistakes.” This is an important reminder that zeal is not about rushing forward blindly; it is about moving purposefully, with divine intention. True zeal is not chaotic passion — it is inspired energy guided by spiritual insight.

Zeal in Action

In everyday life, zeal shows up as vitality, motivation, and the desire to do good. It is what makes a person volunteer when tired, comfort a stranger with compassion, or start anew after failure.

 
Zeal gives movement to faith and substance to vision.

When you feel low in spirit or uncertain about your next step, the practice of zeal is to affirm life. Fillmore would advise: “Stir up the gift of God within you.” This stirring is not an external effort; it is an inner awakening. As you affirm divine energy and enthusiasm, the Christ Mind within quickens your heart and restores your drive.

Zeal as a Christ Power

For Charles Fillmore, zeal was more than motivation — it was a Christ quality. He taught that Christ, as the divine pattern within every person, expresses perfect balance between wisdom, love, and zeal. Through prayer, meditation, and affirmation, each of us can awaken this Christ energy and let it express through our thoughts, words, and actions.

Zeal connects the divine idea of life with visible expression. It is the spiritual combustion that turns inspiration into manifestation. When rightly directed, zeal leads to creativity, productivity, and joy.

Awakening the Fire Within

The practice of zeal in Unity is simple:

Begin each day with an affirmation of life.

See yourself as the living expression of divine energy.

Let every task, no matter how small, be done with love and enthusiasm.

In doing so, you are not generating energy — you are revealing the energy of Spirit that has always been within you.

Charles Fillmore’s legacy reminds us that zeal is not for the few but for all. It is the divine spark that keeps creation unfolding and keeps humanity moving toward greater light. 

When we awaken zeal, we awaken life itself.