“Human nature, if it is healthy, demands excitement; and if it does not obtain its thrilling excitement in the right way, it will seek it in the wrong. God never makes bloodless stoics; He makes no passionless saints.”
—Oswald Chambers
It’s the thing that keeps you up at night and wakes you up in the morning. It’s that thing that is always running through your mind, and somehow always finds its way into conversations. It’s that constant tug that always has your mind running at 100 mph. And it’s that thing that you will always stand up for, no matter the consequences. That is your passion.
Whether it’s a social initiative, a job, a creative pursuit, or caring for the needy, we all have something that we feel is worth living for and ultimately worth dying for. What are you passionate about?
God can fill your heart with various passions if you ask him to. God-inspired passions are largely what’s helped make the world a better place. Where would we be without people who are passionate about serving in the mission field? Great writers who are passionate about sharing the gospel? Pastors who are passionate about caring for God’s people?
Don’t get me wrong. Not all God-inspired passions are going to come with a “Christian” title and business card. God uses the passions of his people both in and outside “the ministry” for the growth of his kingdom.
But passion without sacrifice is not passion; it is plagiarism of the heart. Passion is so much deeper than a transactional act. It is a selfless art of living, seeking the best for something or someone while disregarding any self-return.
While we all have unique passions of our own, we share one common, overarching passion: Jesus. In reference to our relationship with God, it may seem that obedience to God is the result of our passion for him, but in reality, the opposite is actually true. Your obedience and time spent with God will fuel your passion for him.
The reality is Jesus brutally died on a cross, sacrificing himself, because his passion was to bring us hope. He wasn’t seeking transactional return or favor, but that we would find comfort in his forgiveness and eternal hope.
What could we possibly have to offer the creator of the world? Nothing. Our number one passion should be directed toward the man who was nailed to the cross. True passion isn’t trendy; it’s never-ending, and it’s never fleeing.
VERSE OF THE DAY
“Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth” (Colossians 3:2).
CHALLENGE
Write down three to five things you are passionate about. Spend time praying over these things and circle the ones you believe God has truly called you to pursue. True passion cannot be shaken.
DISCUSS
What passions has God instilled in your heart?
How can we decipher between God-given passions and selfish desires?
Is passion enough? What other steps are needed to fulfill our callings in life?
30 Words Daily Devotion
WORD 21 - PASSION
“Human nature, if it is healthy, demands excitement; and if it does not obtain its thrilling excitement in the right way, it will seek it in the wrong. God never makes bloodless stoics; He makes no passionless saints.”
—Oswald Chambers
It’s the thing that keeps you up at night and wakes you up in the morning. It’s that thing that is always running through your mind, and somehow always finds its way into conversations. It’s that constant tug that always has your mind running at 100 mph. And it’s that thing that you will always stand up for, no matter the consequences. That is your passion.
Whether it’s a social initiative, a job, a creative pursuit, or caring for the needy, we all have something that we feel is worth living for and ultimately worth dying for. What are you passionate about?
God can fill your heart with various passions if you ask him to. God-inspired passions are largely what’s helped make the world a better place. Where would we be without people who are passionate about serving in the mission field? Great writers who are passionate about sharing the gospel? Pastors who are passionate about caring for God’s people?
Don’t get me wrong. Not all God-inspired passions are going to come with a “Christian” title and business card. God uses the passions of his people both in and outside “the ministry” for the growth of his kingdom.
But passion without sacrifice is not passion; it is plagiarism of the heart. Passion is so much deeper than a transactional act. It is a selfless art of living, seeking the best for something or someone while disregarding any self-return.
While we all have unique passions of our own, we share one common, overarching passion: Jesus. In reference to our relationship with God, it may seem that obedience to God is the result of our passion for him, but in reality, the opposite is actually true. Your obedience and time spent with God will fuel your passion for him.
The reality is Jesus brutally died on a cross, sacrificing himself, because his passion was to bring us hope. He wasn’t seeking transactional return or favor, but that we would find comfort in his forgiveness and eternal hope.
What could we possibly have to offer the creator of the world? Nothing. Our number one passion should be directed toward the man who was nailed to the cross. True passion isn’t trendy; it’s never-ending, and it’s never fleeing.
VERSE OF THE DAY
“Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth” (Colossians 3:2).
CHALLENGE
Write down three to five things you are passionate about. Spend time praying over these things and circle the ones you believe God has truly called you to pursue. True passion cannot be shaken.
DISCUSS
Wilson, J. (2016). 30 words: a devotional for the rest of us. (2nd Edition, Ed.) (pp. 122–125). Bellingham, WA: Kirkdale Press.