PASSION, CHOICE, NOT GIFT!

Proverbs 16:3 AMPC

Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed.

 

Passion and choice relates to faith and purpose, but the Bible does not emphasize passion as mere feeling, sensuality, or a gift; rather, it stresses choice aligns with God’s will and purpose. 

What, then, is passion? Passion is a word derived from Latin, meaning “suffering.” Some Bible translations use this word in Acts 1:3 to refer to the sufferings of Jesus. Throughout the centuries, Christians have referred to Jesus’ sufferings as His Passion.

People all over the world are passionate about many things—some good, some healthy, and others unnatural. Whatever one is passionate about is a choice, meaning you choose to have passion for that thing. Unfortunately, people don’t have such passion for the things of God nowadays.

The Bible acknowledges that passion can have a powerful impact on our lives but distinguishes between passions that are life-giving and those that are harmful. Scripture encourages believers to cultivate a deep passion for God and His kingdom, urging them to direct their enthusiasm and energy toward loving God and serving others. At the same time, the Bible warns against allowing destructive desires or misplaced passions to dominate our choices, calling believers to be vigilant in guarding their hearts and aligning their passions with God’s will. This balanced approach helps followers of Christ to pursue what is good and reject what leads away from God’s purposes.

Passion is cultivated by aligning with God’s will and living out the purpose He has planned. Romans 12:2 urges believers to renew their minds to discern God’s will, linking passion to a divine purpose rather than uncontrolled emotion. Ephesians 2:10 says believers are created for good works God prepared beforehand, implying purpose-driven action. Passions should be directed toward godly aims such as loving God and others, according to Mark 12:30–31, and glorifying God in everything, according to 1 Corinthians 10:31.

God created passion in everyone so we can best function in our purpose, but the world has twisted passion until it has become an ugly tool used to destroy lives and destinies. Passion without Christ is carnal and detrimental. Passion outside of the Lord is a very powerful feeling—of sexual attraction, love, hate, anger, or other emotion—and an extreme interest in or wish for doing something, such as a hobby or activity. Passion—clean, healthy, and wholesome passion—in itself is not bad but can become an idol if it is put ahead of the Lord.

We always have a choice over our emotions, and the Bible teaches that love and devotion are choices rooted in the heart’s desire for God. The choice to serve God must come from finding Him preferable and valuable in the heart, not just from surface emotions or transient feelings. Genuine devotion is a conscious commitment that honours God and expresses the heart’s true taste for Him. As stated in Psalm 37:4, passion for God pleases Him. As we find joy in serving and pursuing Him, He will fulfil the deepest longings of our soul.

Without real passion, we cannot fulfil our purpose. Passion is what keeps us going when things don’t work out the way we planned and hoped. Passion is what fuels the strength to keep at our plans until the goal is achieved. Passion is what causes us to approach our pursuits with wholehearted dedication, viewing them as opportunities to honour God. It reminds us that our work, hobbies, and talents can be used as a platform to glorify Him.

What’s your passion? Are you passionate for the things of God? 

Passion is not a gift—it is a choice. You are either passionate about something or you are not. Whatever we are passionate about consumes us to the point of desperation, not wavering or diminishing.

Romans 12:11 says to “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord.” Our passion should be fuelled by an earnest desire to honour God and make a difference in the world. 

Let your passion be fuelled by Colossians 3:23 and not by carnal things.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS 

- What am I most passionate about right now? Are my passions helping me grow closer to God, or are they distracting me from Him? 

- Are there any passions, desires, or pursuits in your life that compete with or take priority over your devotion to God? How might you surrender these to Him? 

- How do you discern whether a passion is from God or simply a personal desire? Do you seek God’s direction in prayer and in His Word before pursuing something you feel passionate about? 

- How do my daily choices reflect my passion for God and His kingdom? In what ways do I show enthusiasm and commitment to serving God and others?

PRAYER: Dear Lord, make my passion for You purposeful, disciplined, and unwavering—so that in everything You are glorified. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/womenoflight/episodes/PASSION--CHOICE-NOT-GIFT-e367puh

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