Passion

Passion... its more than just loving isn't it?

Synonyms include fevor, ardour, enthusiasm, zeal, etc... But even if I combine all those words into one sentence, it doesn't even seem to describe passion.

As a Christian, my passion should be focused on Christ Jesus and for the past week, God has been trying to drum into me that the root my life shouldn't be based on what I do, nor what I can achieve... not even what what I've given up in "sacrifice"... its about the passion I have for him.

Not the emotional passion that the world often thinks of, but that deep-seated, unquenchable thirst for Christ. The kind of passion that yearns after holiness. The kind of passion that equates to waking up in the Master's arms, looking at him as you would a lover and saying, "I love waking up next to you". Romantised as this might be but even the Bible uses the analogy of Bride & Bridegroom to illustrate the passion and love between Christ & His Church. For nothing can beat that fire that's burning between newlyweds. Do I have a passion for God where I become utterly satisfied with all that Christ is for me?

How was I reminded? BSF brought me back to examining Jacob (Gen 27-35). This man whom I once considered scheming and manipulative has found a new found respect from me. I seem to forget that this is the man God renamed to be Israel. To be bestowed the name of a nation... more importantly, God's chosen nation, is... I can't describe the honour. Jacob is the man whom God loved. (Ps 47:4; Mal 1:2-3; Rom 9:13). Yes, Jacob was not perfect and he had his faults (which God deals with throughout his life) but what Jacob had was a real desperation to be God's special ONE. Yes, desperation... his motto must have been "by hook or by crook". But Jacob/Israel had passion for God.

Whilst preparing for last Sat's care-cell on faith, I was led to remember what John Piper said in The Pleasures of God, "the essence of faith is being satisfied with all that God is for us in Christ". I was totally reminded that faith in God isn't blind, it isn't based on intellectual asssent, its based on resting in God alone. Not what He has promised, not what He has done... on Him, just Him.

Reminded once more during Sunday's sermon about whether I have a heart of thanksgiving. Passage was from Phil 1:3-8. As Pastor put it, are we at the counter of complaining or thanksgiving? Have we allowed this comfortable life that we lead to cloud our appreciation of God? We seem to be more exicited over a 15-min fireworks display than the wonders of the night sky and the stars? Even though I can't see much stars in Spore, when was the last time I looked up into that 1 star that I can see and marvel at the Majestic, Creative God?

Passion... Something I long to have... but yet, the sinful part of me is afraid to pray for it. The sinful part says, "Lord, change me slowly can? Bit by bit can already... baby steps... " Pathetic isn't it?

That's where I thank God for His Grace... His Grace that changes me, His Grace that enables me not to sin... His Grace that empowers me to press on in obedience... His Grace that has saved me, made me His own and will make me passionate for Him.