My earliest recollection of passion began in Junior High as friends debated the best music video on MTV, the greatest rock band and favorite sports teams. In High School, I began to live by the 3 G’s: Girls, Golf and God, fluctuating in order depending upon the timing or season. By the time college arrived, my interests shifted toward amusement parks, intramural sports and sand volleyball, with the latter dominating most of my summer nights. When I began my career as a youth pastor, interacting with families, karaoke and water sports consumed most of my time. As a family man, I have mellowed, spending time listening to music, working on my golf green out back and writing on a daily basis.
Passion is embodied in enthusiasm, excitement and feelings. Although I still possess hot button issues inside my heart, most of the things I once held dear don’t illicit much of a response any more. Sure, it would be nice for the Eagles to win a Super Bowl or witness another local team win a championship, but I refuse to place my hope in someone or something that disappoints you 99% of the time. Likewise, I find it futile to debate music, politics and television shows. As Solomon once said, “everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun,” Ecclesiastes 2:11, in reference to pleasures on earth. Perhaps, this may explain why I am currently living a life void of passion.
If you have ever reached this point, emptiness tends to cause you to lose your voice, bored by most of the conversations you hear. However, when you find a cause worth living for, passion can and will return. In Acts 4:29, the passion of Jesus Christ prevented the disciples from being shut down. Rather, the power of the Holy Spirit consumed their souls, not able to forget about the risen Savior who suffered, died and rose again 3 days later. This is the passion I am missing, lost in translation between the pages of the Bible and putting faith into action. May the fire of Christ followers burn bright in your region so that lives void of passion will be invigorated by the power of God.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 