When we meet new people, we frequently ask or get asked, “What’s your passion?” Passion is “a strong and barely containable emotion.” Thanks to social media, we can learn all about people’s interests, hobbies, and diversions. Many of us post pictures, make comments, and talk about our interests with great frequency. However, there are some people whose focus becomes so intent on some topic that their emotion spills over. They talk about that topic … all the time. If anyone else brings it up, they can’t refrain from jumping in. Why? They are passionate. Maybe it’s guns, race, politics, illegal immigration, or some equally-charged issue. Have you ever noticed someone whose passion seems to be for arguments and disagreements?
Passion is unmistakeable.
Not only through social media, but through my every social interaction, my life is declaring what I’m passionate about. Those closest to me are best equipped to describe my passion, but everyone who spends time with me will slowly begin to figure it out. What a sobering thought! I know what I want their conclusions to be. Paul said, “I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified” (1 Cor 2:2). In Philippians 3:10, he simply says, “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings.” Paul’s inspired writings are filled with similar expressions. We have eyewitnesses to his ministry, especially Luke, who verify that this is what drove Paul and ignited his passion.
A lot of people know that I enjoy dark roast coffee, all things Georgia Bulldogs, running, peanut butter, traveling, and my family, but do they see passion for Christ in my life? It’s one thing for me to say what I’m most passionate about, but my life will ultimately reveal the full truth. When all is said and done, what will have been the great passion of my life? What about you?