Passion. The world misconstrues it as something that is erotic and fleshy. I believe that it is more spiritual in nature. Think about it like this: We are like a computer with an operating system, except our OS is based off of the concept of free will. We were never intended to be automatons that were just placed here to live out our days on the periphery of greatness.

Although we are in some way products of our environment, the Creator has custom built each one of us by embellishing us each with a special gift of grace that brings connectivity and enhances others lives.

This grace allows us to be able to pursue our dreams and aspirations to the fullest extent, with a higher purpose in mind. We are made for more!

When I was a youth pastor, the most asked question that I would get from young people was “what is God’s will for my life?” They would ABSOLUTELY agonize over the subject. I love the fact that they have enough passion for God to want to be at the very center and core of His plans, and that is very admirable!

At the same time, I have since learned that we have been given specific decision making capabilities so that we aren’t boxed in by a prepackaged plan. This room to maneuver allows for us to have input regarding our decisions and destiny. In other words, there are several factors that come into play. One of the most important factors involves whether or not we will be able to do whatever we are called to do with passion and fervor, and not just passively going through the motions.

How can we incorporate the things that we are passionate about into our personal ministry?

Here comes some valuable wisdom, so pay attention!

We need to intentionally align the things that we are passionate about with the things that God is PASSIONATE about! Let me say that again for emphasis: Align your passions with God’s passions because this is the key to doing His will!

For instance, is it’s God’s will that we take care of the poor? Visit those who are in prison? Feed hungry children? Teach other people to love Him and keep His commandments? Of course!

Once we connect our passion with Heaven’s passion, it is then that start to minister effectively because our attention turns to serving others wholeheartedly through love. We don’t have to agonize over the specifics of God’s will when it comes to the Major things. Just remember to serve “the least of these,” because that’s at the center God’s heart! Once we have done this, then we will have in essence connected Heaven with Earth! This is when His will is being done “in Heaven, just as it is on the Earth” becomes more than just a muffled prayer.

Disclaimer: always pray about the specifics, the “what to do” and “how to do it” so that we can have wisdom in all of our endeavors.

Be sure to tune into Part 3 where I will be writing about hobbies that revolve around the “simplicity factor!”

Dexter