Passion for a Purpose

I had a conversation with someone a couple weeks back. She wanted to know where my ___ came from (a character trait that she found admirable). Because I don't care too much for personal attention and because the topic of our discussion is not the result of anything I've done, I pointed upward. She knew what I meant, but she persisted. Well, yes, I know that, but where? how? I had nothing. I mean, really, I had nothing. Good genes? A good education? A passion for something? As I reflected back on that conversation, I realized it is not only the talents or resources we have that come from the Lord, but it is our passions as well. Now, this may be one of those Well, duh! things for you, but for me, it hit just a little differently.

For instance, look at the flowers, Jesus says, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. (Matthew 6:28-30) Jesus assures us we have no reason to worry for things; our Father in Heaven will provide. And that is true, but He also declares the glory of the flowers, the pageantry of a sunrise, the balance of a biome --there is nothing mankind can create, absent the character of God, that even compares to these things. Can we experience relationships without recognizing we are created by a triune God who sent His Son to die that mankind might be joined again in relationship with Him? Can we breathe in fresh air without acknowledging it is God's breath itself that gives us life? Can we love another without knowing true love is God's essence? Can we be kind or patient or gentle or good without the Holy Spirit at work? Life, creation, these are attributes of God Himself; and those passions people talk about --things like rescuing terrapins or developing green spaces (or just longing for green spaces) --those are attributes of our Heavenly Father as well. 

By the time Jesus was twelve, He was teaching and learning in the temple. I love to teach. Did Jesus give me that gift? Yep. But He gave me that passion as well. It's my love of teaching that causes me to partner with Him, to follow His example, and to read and learn myself, so I become a better teacher. To realize the passion for teaching or for making people laugh or for seeing others made well comes from God's very own character is pretty staggering. He has a passion for those things, and He has passed it on to you! But why? For you to enjoy it? Absolutely! God wants His children to enjoy the gifts He gives. But also, to serve Him and bring others to know who He is. God knows --God knew long before you did --that you would one day come in contact with the people you see every day; He knew you'd live in that cute little apartment just above the beach --the one you waited years to get because, well, the beach is just your dream! He knew one day you would finally land that job designing for the clothing store you spent most of your teen years funding. He gave you that love of design and even your sense of style because the people you work with need to hear about Him; He gave you the responsibility for doing that through the passion He's given you. I don't just teach because I enjoy it: I teach because teaching is the love He instilled in me so that I might spread the Good News of Jesus to the people He desires to reach. That's some pretty forward thinking there. 

It doesn't always work this way, of course. Sometimes God takes the person least likely to be a public speaker and transforms him into a wonderful preacher, or takes the introvert and gives her six children and a surly, burly, boisterous, ornery husband (but I digress). Maybe God has a plan for your passion. What is it you just love to do? Drive? Maybe you could visit your local retirement home and see if anyone there needs a ride; you could minister by taking folks to doctor's appointments or the market and tell them about Jesus as you do. Do you love to paint? You could teach classes or simply set up on the grounds of local parks; you could share with the curious or admiring the beauty you find in God's creation. Are you zealous for Zelda? Mentor some youth with a gaming group; encourage them to reach new levels not only in their favorite games but by memorizing Scriptures. 

Your Creator planned your passion for a purpose! What are you passionate about?