I admire and greatly appreciate those believers who are strongly committed to a life of evangelism. I am a little jealous and marvel at the way they move so quickly into sharing the Good News of Christ.
I admire those who are moved by deep concern for the poor and vulnerable. In small and large personal involvement in service or in organized approaches to systemic problems, they actively pursue what matters to God.
Others care deeply and work hard to help churches become infused with an awareness that every member of the church is called to live "on mission": to daily represent Christ in the world where they live, work and play.
Yet what should be the one passion that grips all of us, whatever our gifting, whatever our calling? I asked myself that old, yet ever new question again recently as I was preparing a particular message. I remembered sometime ago of hearing that a group of Christians tried to define Christianity in just one sentence; then only one phrase and finally one word. The word chosen that resonates with me - and with Scripture - is the word "relationship".
I admire those who are moved by deep concern for the poor and vulnerable. In small and large personal involvement in service or in organized approaches to systemic problems, they actively pursue what matters to God.
Others care deeply and work hard to help churches become infused with an awareness that every member of the church is called to live "on mission": to daily represent Christ in the world where they live, work and play.
Yet what should be the one passion that grips all of us, whatever our gifting, whatever our calling? I asked myself that old, yet ever new question again recently as I was preparing a particular message. I remembered sometime ago of hearing that a group of Christians tried to define Christianity in just one sentence; then only one phrase and finally one word. The word chosen that resonates with me - and with Scripture - is the word "relationship".
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul
and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the
second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the
Prophets hang on these two commandments.'”
Matthew 22:37 - 40
Loving God, that must be my one great passion. To love God with my whole being; to pursue knowledge and experience of Him like a thirsty wild animal pursues water.
"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my
God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with
God?" Psalm 42:1, 2
To enjoy an ever deepening love relationship with God, this should be our foundational passion. To love him with warm emotion and clear thinking; to love Him with devoted will and consistent obedience.
"You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole
being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water." Psalm
63:1
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