DEVOTION//Passion and Excitement
Where do you see people who are passionate and excited about what they are doing?
You see passion and excitement at sporting events.
You perceive passion and excitement at parties.
You see passion and excitement when the person has accomplished a big job and there is success, maybe even a big bonus.
How passionate and excited are you?
What about church, with Jesus, and the gospel? How often do you see passionate and excited people? How often are YOU passionate or excited about church, Jesus, and the gospel?
As you think about the previous questions you will remember a number of times when you were passionate and excited about church, Jesus, and the gospel. Sadly, you will remember times when you were not passionate about the three.
Reasons for a lack of passion and excitement
Sadly, too easily we take church, Jesus, and the gospel for granted because they are always with us. I have had this mindset too.
Another reason for our lack of passion is that when we come to church, Jesus, and the gospel, we are sad or anxious or in need of comfort and peace. Those are not times for passion and excitement, but for prayer and peace. Most certainly, I have been here.
Reasons for passion and excitement
Still, we have so many reasons for being passionate and excited about church, Jesus, and the gospel.
God sent his Son to die for us and take our sins upon himself. That’s a reason to be excited.
Jesus rose from the dead and promises that we will rise from the dead too. Get excited.
Jesus promises us eternal life in heaven. Be excited and passionate about heaven.
Jesus is with us every day of our lives – he supports and guides us. He carries us when we are weak and in trouble. He guides us in godly living. Those too are reasons to be passionate and excited.
Jesus does not want anyone to die forever but wants all to be saved. We can be excited for others, not just for ourselves.
Passion and excitement come from Jesus
Passion for church, Jesus, and the gospel comes from within, for what Jesus is doing in our hearts. Passion and excitement do not come from others making us passionate for Jesus. If you wait for others to make you passionate, 98% of the time you will be waiting and waiting.
Passion comes from Jesus and the Holy Spirit working in you.
Look to the truths of Jesus and the Word — and the Holy Spirit working in your heart.
Don’t let sin, the world, Satan, or your own heart dampen your passion and excitement for Jesus. Jesus is authentic. Jesus is the real deal. Jesus is the reason to have passion for life and self. Rejoice in the Lord Jesus and all he has done for you!
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord (Romans 12:1-2, 11 NIV).
Source: John Bauma