Passion — Enthusiasm and Zeal

Passion is a powerful, compelling emotion that drives our actions and shapes the direction of our lives. It can fuel devotion to what is good or ignite destructive desires — the Bible calls us to direct our passion toward God and His purposes, while crucifying the passions of the sinful nature.

The Nature of Passion

Passion is a strong feeling or emotion — a compelling fervour for something, whether good or wrong, expressed as love or hate. We are to be enthusiastic for good works and the work of God, yet resist what is inappropriate such as sexual lust (Mt 5:28; Jn 2:17; 1 Cor 14:12; 2 Cor 9:2; Tit 2:14). The deceitful desires of the old life are to be replaced by righteousness and holiness (Eph 4:22–24; 1 Thes 4:5; 2 Tim 2:22). The desires of the flesh should be under the control of our mind and spirit, with our emotional longings exposed to the Word of God. Scripture declares, "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires" (Gal 5:24).

Redirecting Passion Toward God

If we are passionate for God, it will be outworked in obedience and in spending quality time devoted to Him. In contrast, lukewarm Christians do not have Jesus as the focus of their lives. What drives us — a passion to live a God-honouring life, or the selfish, carnal life? Passion or desire is wrong only when it turns us in the wrong direction — away from what is right and of God, toward what is of the flesh. Living to please the old, carnal life will result in missing God's blessing of life, while sowing into what is honourable and worthwhile will result in reaping blessing, both in this life and the next (Jn 10:10; Rom 8:12–13; Gal 6:7–9).

When people are truly passionate, they are focused and will endeavour to fulfil their purpose regardless of the cost. Jesus exemplified this ultimate passion — setting His face like flint toward Jerusalem, determined to go to the cross despite the suffering that awaited Him (Lk 9:51; Heb 12:2). His was no passive resignation but a deliberate, willing sacrifice driven by love for the Father and for a world in need of redemption. Likewise, the apostle Paul expressed such deep passion for his people that he was willing to be cut off from Christ if it would bring his fellow Jews to salvation — "I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race" (Rom 9:3). This was no mere sentiment; it was the agonising cry of a man whose passion for the lost outweighed any concern for his own well-being.

Dream of the goal and apply yourself to achieve it. To truly succeed at something you must have a passion to pursue it — then what you set your heart on often comes into reality.

Passion for Christ and Others

Our love and commitment to God should compel us to be radical witnesses for Christ as we consider the eternal doom we have been saved from — yet what will be the fate of those who don't receive salvation? (Rom 12:11; 1 Thes 1:10; 1 Jn 5:12). Rather than Christianity being known merely for its disciplines — which are good and right, although sometimes done from duty — it should be recognised by its passion and love for Christ and people, both fellow believers and those as yet outside the Kingdom (Jn 13:35). Do I have a passion to see others conform to Biblical standards, to be made alive and revived from spiritual lethargy, without producing condemnation or legalism?

Reflection and Application:

• What passion or desire is currently directing the course of my life — is it toward God or away from Him?
• Am I lukewarm in my faith, or does my love for Christ compel me to radical obedience and witness?
• How can I replace the deceitful desires of the old life with a renewed passion for righteousness and holiness?
• Is my passion for God evident to others through my love for fellow believers and those outside the Kingdom?

See also: apathy, desires, emotions, enthusiasm, focus, lust, motive/motivation, Passion Week, sow and reap, spiritual disciplines, zeal.