The Passion: “A family of nations loving God together.” As I continue to think through this vision statement, the word “passion” comes to mind. There is much we are able to accomplish by sheer determination and duty. However, to sustain a vision and to realize its benefits, we must possess an inner energy that buoys us along. When we are passionate about an endeavour, several things are present: Passion keeps us engaged without causing burnout. Passion is life-giving while duty without passion can lead to boredom and monotony. Passion causes time to fly by because we love doing what we do.
I am passionate about getting behind a worthy cause. To me there is no greater cause than advancing the kingdom of God. That is, seeing God become real in the lives of individuals now and realizing that there will come a day in which “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” shall be a fact!
For us to be passionate about the growth of “a family of nations loving God together” we need an emphasis on “loving God”. The love of God and love for God in our hearts enable us to be excited about His cause. I am passionate about getting behind a worthy cause. To me there is no greater cause than advancing the kingdom of God. That is, seeing God become real in the lives of individuals now and realizing that there will come a day in which “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” shall be a fact! Tim Dearborn, a World Vision leader, stimulates our thinking when he writes, “It is insufficient to proclaim that the Church of God has a mission in the world. Rather, the God of mission has a Church in the world.” It is a delight to love Almighty God, Who daily inspires us to live above the circumstances and share the message of His Son with others. The mission is God’s, the participation is ours.
When we are with someone we love, time is precious, laughter is common and projects are meaningful. Even more so, when we accept that God loves us and invites our love in return, serving Him is “a passion” that transcends duty. “We love Him because He first loved us.” What is it that motivates you? What causes you to happily go that extra mile? My prayer for you is that God Himself becomes your passion. It is then that His work sparkles with wonder!