Of passions and purpose

Today I was in conversation with a girl about... geology. I never considered myself particularly interested in the ecological system or what makes soil fertile or the streams networks of Hawaii, but listening to her talk, even for a few brief moments, I found myself enthralled by the world of well, the world.

And then I remembered what my mom had said to me only the day before. It was totally in a different context, but the truth of the statement applied more broadly than the circumstances in which we had been talking. She said: Passion is CAUGHT, not taught. I'm not normally a fan of bumper sticker phrases, and this statement was probably something from Rick Warren or John Maxwell or some other person, but it hit me right then, that here I was - a person without the faintest interest in geology, in volcanoes or rocks, but for those few brief moments, I was captivated. What more if our lives were lived full of passion?

If we dared to live with abandon for Christ, would our friends not then, for the time that they are in our company, become enthralled by the thing that captures us?
If we spent more time making bold declarations of our faith, rather than feeble excuses for the gospel, would the world be offended and sit up?
Maybe. But should we not be offending others? I like what the word of God says:

For the story and message of the cross is sheer absurdity and folly to those who are perishing..., but to us who are being saved it is the [manifestation of] the power of God

We're not here to smooth over feathers, we're here to ruffle them up and stir others to seek out the truth. Sometimes I wonder if the job is more difficult in a place like the US where Christianity is the bedrock of their country, but because it is so intertwined with the history of the country, becomes nothing beyond tradition. Or is it more difficult in a place like Malaysia where it is a minority religion, where there are constraints set upon us?

But more than just in sharing our faith, and sharing the love that Christ has given to us, to be passionate in everything you do. It's becoming such a buzz word: passion, passionate. But, to be passionate, to have "an intense desire or enthusiasm for something; the zealous pursuit of an aim" is really to live out Colossians 3:17:

And whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and in [dependence upon] His Person, giving praise to God the Father through Him.

I'm learning more than ever to live with purpose.

Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people),making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil.

How short and how precious are the moments that I have at Carleton, at home, in this life. More than ever, I am determined to make every moment count. Teach me oh God to number my days, to be wise in what I do and say.

Every conversation you have, every meal you share, every note you write, is an opportunity to share the love you have been blessed with, to speak the truth that has been revealed to you, and to be an ambassador for the hope of glory who lives in you.

This is my prayer.