Sermon Notes: October 11, 2026

What Sets Your Soul on Fire? - Rev. Sheryl Padgett, DDiv

What Sets Your Soul on Fire
Sermon Notes
Main Theme: Zeal is the spiritual power of enthusiasm, inner motivation, and forward movement. It is not frantic activity, loud emotion, or fanaticism. True zeal is the steady inner fire that arises when we are connected with Spirit, guided by wisdom, and willing to express our unique purpose. Unity recognizes zeal as one of the Twelve Powers—spiritual capacities already present within each of us.
Unity’s Power of Zeal: Zeal is represented by Simon the Zealot. Its color is orange, and its physical center is traditionally associated with the medulla oblongata at the base of the brain. Zeal empowers us to begin, to persist, to motivate ourselves, and to bring energy to the good that is ours to do.
Charles Fillmore on zeal: Fillmore described zeal as “the impulse to go forward, the urge behind all things.” Zeal is the inward fire that keeps us from becoming stagnant or resigned. It is the divine energy that says, “There is more life to live, more good to express, and something mine to do.”
Zeal is more than excitement: A motivational event, a new plan, or a burst of inspiration can make us feel energized for a while. But spiritual zeal is deeper and more lasting. It arises from within when we remember who we are, reconnect with our purpose, and allow divine life to express through us. The word enthusiasm is often linked with en theos, meaning “God within.”
Spiritual zeal may be quiet: Zeal is not always dramatic or visible. It can be the person recovering from illness who takes one more walk, the person who stays openhearted after disappointment, the volunteer who faithfully serves, or the person who begins again after a dream has not worked out as planned. Zeal is persistence rooted in faith.
Purpose gives zeal direction: Meaningful accomplishment is rarely the result of never failing. People such as Thomas Edison and Charles Schulz kept learning, adjusting, and trying again. Healthy zeal says, “I will continue to listen, grow, and express the good that is mine to give.”
Zeal needs wisdom: Fire in a fireplace gives warmth and light; fire outside the fireplace can destroy. In the same way, zeal without wisdom can become anger, rigidity, obsession, harmful ambition, or the need to be right. When our energy is fueled by fear, ego, or the need to prove ourselves, we can lose our peace, relationships, and authenticity.
A warning from Fillmore: Fillmore cautioned that zeal can become overly focused on outer forms, opinions, or religious rules, consuming our vitality and leaving little room for real spiritual growth. The point of spiritual practice is not to win an argument or appear more religious. It is to become more loving, awake, free, and available to Spirit.
The Tower of Babel: Babel reminds us that ambition without spiritual grounding leads to confusion. The people wanted to build a tower and “make a name” for themselves. There is nothing wrong with building, achieving, or dreaming—but when our motivation is comparison, fear, or ego, we become scattered. We do not get closer to God by proving ourselves. We draw close by awakening to the divine presence already within us.
Seek first the kingdom: Jesus taught us to seek first the kingdom of God. When we seek love, truth, inner guidance, and the good of all, our outward activity becomes an expression of Spirit rather than an attempt to earn worthiness or control life.
Growing Healthy Zeal
•       Honor divine discontent. Restlessness may be Spirit’s invitation to grow, heal, serve, create, or release an old pattern. It may be time to move forward.
•       Clarify your desire. Ask, “What wants to be expressed through me?” Focus less on what you do not want and more on the life, healing, relationship, service, or creativity you truly desire.
•       Practice dedication. Zeal is not a passing feeling. It grows through faithful action: writing the page, taking the walk, making the call, offering the apology, saying the prayer, or beginning again.
•       Let wisdom lead. Before acting, ask: “Is this mine to do? Is this motivated by love or fear? Will it bring more peace, healing, and good? Does it honor others as well as myself?”
•       Take the next step. We do not have to wait until we feel completely confident or energized. Often energy follows action. As we move toward a divine idea, insight, support, strength, and opportunity begin to appear.
Reflection: What is the Spirit within you calling you to bring alive? Perhaps it is your health, a relationship, forgiveness, creative expression, service, or a long-neglected joy. The divine fire within you has not gone out. It may be covered by fatigue, grief, doubt, or disappointment—but it can burn brightly again through prayer, wisdom, community, and one faithful step at a time.

Affirmation
The Spirit of God is alive within me. I am energized, inspired, and guided by wisdom. I enthusiastically accept my good and move forward to fulfill my divine purpose. And so it is. Amen.