WHY IS PASSION IMPORTANT?

Romans 12:11, Colossians 3:23

The word passion can be likened to determination, bravery, courage, steadfastness, and perseverance.

In the Bible, passion is described as a powerful force that drives people to follow their calling and serve God wholeheartedly, reflecting an intense devotion and commitment to spiritual endeavors. Passion fuels our faith and ignites a fervent zeal for God’s Kingdom. It can be a powerful force when guided by biblical principles.

Human passion, when aligned with God’s will, can be a powerful force for good. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, encourages believers to be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. Romans 12:11 says, “Let not your zeal fail; be faithful to the Lord.” This exhortation underscores the importance of maintaining a passionate commitment to God’s work and purposes.

However, the Bible also warns about the dangers of misdirected or uncontrolled human passion. James 1:14-15 warns, “But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desires. Then, after passion has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” The progression from unbridled desire to sin and ultimately to spiritual death is illustrated here, serving as a warning against allowing passion to lead us away from God’s commandments.

As believers, our passion should be directed toward serving God, whether through prayer, worship, or our daily actions. By maintaining our spiritual fervor, we can fulfill our calling and live out our faith with energy and enthusiasm, showing others the love of Christ in all we do.

Passion in our work is a reflection of our passion for the Lord. Colossians 3:23 teaches us to approach every task with wholehearted dedication, knowing that our ultimate purpose is to serve God. Whether at home, at work, or in ministry, when we give our best, we honor God by demonstrating our passion for Him in all areas of life.

In Romans 12:11, we are encouraged to be “fervent in spirit” or “on fire” for God, a fire that fuels our enthusiasm to serve and seek Him with all our hearts. Fire represents a deep love and passionate devotion to God. Fire is not only about purification and judgment, but it is also a symbol of passion for God. Throughout the Bible, fire is a symbol of zeal and fervor for God.

Similarly, Revelation 3:15-16 warns against lukewarm faith. This verse emphasizes the need for spiritual fervor, calling us to be fully committed and on fire for God, rather than indifferent or half-hearted in our faith.

BEING ON FIRE FOR GOD

When we talk about having a “fire for God,” we are talking about a deep and tireless desire to know Him, love Him, and make Him known. Just like a fire that spreads, our passion for God should be contagious, drawing others into His love and grace.

Jesus Himself spoke of this kind of fire when He said in Luke 12:49, “I have come to send fire upon the earth; and how I wish it were already kindled!” This fire represents the passion that Jesus desires to kindle in His followers, a fire that purifies, transforms, and spreads the Gospel.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO KEEP THE FIRE BURNING?

In the Old Testament, priests were instructed to keep the altar fire burning at all times, never letting it go out (Leviticus 6:13). This continual fire was a sign of devotion and worship, representing God’s ongoing presence in the lives of His people.

For us today, keeping the fire burning means nurturing our relationship with God on a daily basis. It is about spending time in His Word, in prayer, and in worship, allowing the Holy Spirit to keep our faith alive and vibrant. It’s easy to let the fire go out when we get caught up in the business of life, but God calls us to tend the flame, to keep our passion for Him alive.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GOD’S PASSION AND WORLDLY DESIRES

The Bible draws a clear distinction between God’s passion and worldly desires, and emphasizes the importance of aligning our hearts with God’s will. God’s passion is rooted in a deep love for God and a desire to serve Him, while worldly desires often arise from selfish motivations and temporary pleasures. It is essential for believers to understand this fundamental difference as they navigate their spiritual path and seek to live a life that pleases God.

In the Bible we find numerous examples that highlight the contrast between these two types of passion. For example, the Apostle Paul’s unwavering dedication to spreading the gospel demonstrates God’s passion, while King Solomon’s pursuit of earthly pleasures in the book of Ecclesiastes illustrates the emptiness of worldly desires. To further illustrate this distinction, consider the following comparison:

DIVINE PASSION                                        WORLDLY DESIRES

1. Eternal focus                                            Worldly desires

2. Selfless service                                        Self-centered pursuits

3. Edifies others                                           Often damages relationships

4. Aligns with God’s will                                Contradicts biblical teachings

The Bible exhorts believers to cultivate divine passion, while also warning against the allure of worldly desires. In Romans 12:2, we are reminded, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, his good, acceptable and perfect will.”

This verse points out the importance of aligning our passions with God's purpose, rather than succumbing to the pleasures of the world. By focusing on divine passion, we can experience true fulfillment and contribute to the advancement of God's kingdom on earth.

HOW PASSION DRIVES OUR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

The Bible teaches us that passion is a powerful force that can ignite our spiritual journey and drive us toward a deeper relationship with God. When we approach our faith with enthusiasm and zeal, we open ourselves to life-changing experiences that can shape our character and strengthen our connection with God. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, exhorts believers to be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord (Romans 12:11), emphasizing the importance of passionate devotion in our spiritual lives.

Passion acts as a channel for spiritual growth by motivating us to seek God more fervently and dive deeper into His Word. When we are passionate about our faith, we are more likely to:

Spend time in prayer and meditation

Study the Bible with greater intensity and focus

Actively participate in worship and fellowship

Seek opportunities to serve others and share our faith

Additionally, passion fuels our spiritual resilience, enabling us to persevere through challenges and trials. As James 1:2-3 reminds us, “Consider it all joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of various kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” When we approach our spiritual journey with passion, we are better equipped to face obstacles with determination and unwavering faith, ultimately emerging stronger and more mature in our relationship with God.

SPIRITUAL GROWTH              HOW PASSION ENHANCES IT

1. Prayer Life                             Increases the frequency and depth of communication with God.

2. Bible Study                            Promotes deeper understanding and application of the Bible.

3. Worship                                 Elevates the experience of praising and glorifying God.

4. Service                                  Motivates selfless acts of love and compassion.

BALANCING PASSION WITH WISDOM

The Bible offers profound insights into how to balance passion with wisdom, emphasizing the importance of tempering our fervent desires with godly discernment. Throughout Scripture, we find numerous examples of people who successfully navigate this delicate balance, as well as stories of those who allowed unbridled passion to lead them astray. The book of Proverbs is replete with verses that underscore the value of wisdom in guiding our passionate pursuits.

One of the saddest example of balancing passion and wisdom can be found in the life of King Solomon. Despite his initial passion to serve God and lead his people, his unbridled desires eventually led him away from his divine purpose. This serves as a powerful reminder that even the wisest among us must continually seek God’s guidance to maintain a healthy balance between our passions and His will. The Bible teaches us that true wisdom comes from God, and when we align our passions with His wisdom, we can accomplish extraordinary things for His kingdom.

THE PERSPECTIVE ON THE BALANCE BETWEEN PASSION AND WISDOM

PASSION WITHOUT WISDOM               PASSION WITH WISDOM

1. Impulsive decisions                              Thoughtful consideration

2. Self-centered motivations                     God-centered motivations

3. Short-term gratification                         Long-term spirituality

The apostle Paul provides an excellent example of someone who successfully balanced passion with wisdom in his ministry. His zeal to spread the gospel was tempered by his deep knowledge of God’s word and his willingness to seek divine guidance. Paul’s letters to the early churches often emphasize the importance of combining fervent faith with sound doctrine, illustrating the perfect harmony between passion and wisdom. As we strive to emulate this balance in our own lives, we can look to Paul’s teachings and example for inspiration and guidance.

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