What is it that you’re passionate about? There is probably something you love to do over and over. Something you love to do with other people doing the same thing. Something you are almost always ready to discuss with someone else, tell others about, and invite others to experience with you.
For you, maybe it’s all things Razorbacks, or it could be playing golf, or scrapbooking, or fishing, or playing pickleball, or riding motorcycles.
For my wife Fran, it’s scrapbooking. This weekend she is attending a local crop with some friends. She’s been more than excited as she prepares her next project. For me, I have a few things. As much as I love riding and talking motorcycles, I find myself becoming more of a fair-weather rider. While I still work out, I don’t keep up with the world of martial arts like I used to. I was recently introduced to a book series about this guy Carl and his sentient cat Donut that has captured my imagination. I’ve discovered a passionate fan club for the books.
Yet, in all of this, I am deeply passionate about Jesus. Talking scripture, theology, faith, my eyes, mind, and heart light up. I’m almost always thinking of how I can share the gospel.
Not because it’s my job. It’s only part of my job. Like many people, there are some days I go home and wonder what it would be like to be the warehouse stocker or corner sign twirler who goes home at the end of the day and doesn’t think about work until they clock back in the next day.
Still, it all comes back to how am I reflecting the gospel. But I have to admit, somedays I’m more successful than others. Because somedays, I’m full of grace of kindness. And somedays . . . some days I’m a little sour, dour, and not very Christlike.
It’s those days when the Holy Spirit reminds me of this passage in Colossians 3:17.
“Whatever you do, whether in speech or action, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus and give thanks to God the Father through him.” (CEB)
The scriptures encourage us to consider our situation and do two things. The second is give thanks to God. Whatever our situation, whatever we’re going through, give thanks. I’ve learned that taking a moment to give thanks helps change our reaction to our situation. It doesn’t mean I have to be thankful for the bad things that happened, but I can be thankful for God’s presence, mercy, and grace in the midst of it. I can be thankful that on the other side I will be a better, more compassionate, and more resilient person.
This allows me to do the first part better. My response, my next step, my reason for the love, mercy, and grace I show, are all for Jesus. Maybe doing this for Jesus is a result of my gratitude to God. Maybe my reason for doing this for Jesus is the crutch I need because otherwise I wouldn’t be so kind. Maybe doing this for Jesus is the best thing I can do because if I’m doing something for Jesus, I’m going to do it well, even excellent, and always with my heart, mind, and strength.
So, what would it take for you to do something for Jesus? What would it take for you to be so passionate about Jesus that everything you do is a segue to him? What would it take for you to invite someone to pray, to church, to know Christ?
Start with giving thanks. Then think about your next step. Shoot me an email, letter, or text and tell me how the Holy Spirit has encouraged you to be passionate about Jesus.
