The Pursuit of Passion

Passion can be described as a burning desire, an unbridled enthusiasm, or a heartfelt need to do or be a part of something. Passion can also be considered, as in the case of Jesus on the Cross, long suffering.

Regardless, passion is a driving force in most of our lives.

I have been called passionate by many people in my life. This has been in reference to my family, sports, my job, and my Lord. These passions have driven me to succeed and led me to places I never dreamed I would go.

Though true, I also now realize these passions also can lead me to places I do not want to go. In fact, if I am not careful, I can allow my passions to cost me the very thing I may be pursuing.

How is this possible? How can I be driven by passion and that same passion cause me heartache, anger, and pain?

I believe this can occur when we lose sight of the reality our “pursuit of passion” needs to line up with God’s purpose for our lives. When they do, even in times of disappointment, disillusionment, and despair, we will be able to see, although things did not turn out the way we hoped, we are better for having gone through the experience.  

The ability to realize when we are in His will and not operating on our own is where maturity and growth come from. I know this because I have not always submitted my passions to God’s purpose.

Why? The reason is because whatever I was passionate about was about me.

The problem here is, the drive and energy I pour out in “pursuit of passion” is wasted if I am the only reason for pursuing them.

This life is a gift. The way we see that gift is limited to our perspective, which if we are not careful, can and will only be about us and what we want.

If we are willing to see there is something more or something bigger than what we see, we may find our “pursuit of passion” will lead us to where our passions will be fulfilled, and our purpose will be clear.

If we are not willing to see there is something more, then we will only be passionate about the things that benefit us, and we may never truly experience the joy a life filled with passion can bring.

The joy I am referring to is eternal. It cannot be shaken or taken by anyone or by any situation or circumstance when we allow our “pursuit of passion” to line up with God’s purpose for our life.

Remember, it is passion that causes the pursuit in the first place. This passion has been given to us by God on purpose. His Purpose!!!

Matthew 5:6, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.