Pursuing Passion

You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.

Carole’s mind was anywhere but in her Bible study class. She was racing through her mental to-do list, wondering how it could possibly get done and thinking perhaps she shouldn’t have even taken the time to attend today. But the voice of Kim, her study leader, finally broke through.

“The Bible clearly teaches that God is to be our primary passion—we are to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. We are to have no idols. Most of us believe we do put God first and certainly serve no idols. But is this really so? Is He really our primary passion?”

Carole began shifting uncomfortably as Kim continued.

“Christian women today can easily get caught up in our to-do lists and the demands of life and lose our focus. We can misplace our true passion by trying to please others or chasing affirmation. Perhaps we need to consider what regularly receives the bulk of our time, attention, and resources. If we discover God’s percentage of our affection is actually small, we need to make the choice to return to our first love. Remember, you can trust God to faithfully direct your path when you ‘seek his will in all you do’” (Proverbs 3:6).

Oh Father, Carole silently prayed, forgive me for being so distracted. Please restore my passion for You.

What would misplaced passion look like? It could be revealed by a strong attraction to the culture. It could be reflected in a great concern for physical beauty, a materialistic focus, a loss of hunger for God’s Word, and a diminished heart for His kingdom work. It might look like apathy or perhaps a lack of loyalty to the body of Christ, His church.

God is glad to do a heart check if we ask Him. He rejoices to see His children make a fresh surrender to His plans for us.

Rest Assured

Your loving-kindness, grace, and mercy toward me are without limits, Lord. Help me daily to renew my commitment to seek Your glory and walk in Your ways.

Rest in Him: Colossians 3:1-4