Where Is The Passion?

The word passion is defined as follows, “a strong and barely controllable emotion, an intense desire and enthusiasm for something”.
The idea is seen in the statement of Paul in a couple of passages: First
Corinthians chapter nine and verse sixteen “For though I preach the
gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea,
woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!” It is witnessed again in concerning his Jewish brethren “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer
to God for Israel is, that they might be saved” Romans chapter ten and
verse one. Jeremiah expressed it in this fashion “Then I said, I will not
make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word
was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was
weary with forbearing, and I could not stay” Jeremiah chapter twenty
and verse nine.

What could have possibly prompted Jesus to empty himself and take upon him the seed of Abraham, as a servant, Philippians chapter two and verses five through eight? There is no question it was his passion for the souls of men. He came to seek and save the lost Luke chapter nineteen and verse ten. What could have possibly serve as a -motivation for him to endure the cross despising the shame Hebrews
chapter twelve and verse two? There is no doubt it was his love of his father and his love and passion for mankind.

What would have caused the first century church to endure the shame, threats, persecution, humiliation and death that they often endured Acts chapters four, five, seven, and eight. It was their love, faith and passions for the souls of men.

Where is the passion in the church today? Where is the passion in preaching, teaching, eldering, serving God and others? Who or what has extinguished the passion the church is to have and us as individual Christians? Where has the fire in the bones of gospel preachers gone, to where they cannot stay? How many are preaching for a pay check, prestige, or some other reason other than a love for God, truth and love and passion for the souls of men.

Perhaps a number of reasons can be given, but let me suggest a couple that no doubt is involved.

One reason could be a lack of love for God. The Christian is to love God with all his or her heart, soul and mind Matthew twenty-two and verse thirty-seven. If one loved God and set forth in this passage where would the passion be? Jesus set forth a principle in John fourteen and verse thirty-one. Jesus said “But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.” Jesus clearly sets forth a principle in this passage that if one loves God there will be a passion to do the fathers will. The father’s will is that all men be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth First Timothy chapter two and verse four. That is the reason Jesus came, to rescue the perishing and the reason the church exists Ephesians chapter three and nine through eleven.

Another possible reason that the passion in preaching, serving God and reaching out to a lost and dying world is because we have ceased really believing that humanity is really lost and face a grave eternal tragedy. How can we really preach and believe in the great commission and feel this way about the condition of humanity. The world lies in wickedness First John chapter five and verse nineteen. The majority will be lost Matthew chapter seven and verses thirteen and fourteen. It is one thing if people are lost because of personal rejection and rebellion. It is something else if they are never given an opportunity! The gospel is to be preached to every creature Mark chapter sixteen and verses fifteen and sixteen. The reason is given in verse sixteen, so the one who believes and is baptized to be saved. Is there not a ring of passion and urgency here? Where is the passion to get that message of good news out to those we know need and to those we know have the opportunity to share it?

Perhaps another reason for a loss of passion in preaching the gospel, serving God faithfully is a lack of fear and respect for God and his word. We are admonished to serve God acceptably with reverence and Godly fear Hebrews chapter twelve and verse twenty-eight. Christians are not to be slothful, but fervent in spirit serving the Lord Romans chapter twelve and verse eleven. Where is the passion for worship John chapter four and verse twenty-four? Where is the passion for holiness First Peter chapter one and verses fifteen and sixteen? Where is the passion for service Hebrews chapter twelve and verse twenty-eight? Where is the passion for hard work in the kingdom of God First Corinthians chapter fifteen and verse fifty-eight? Where is the passion to preach the gospel to every creature First Corinthians chapter nine and verse sixteen? Where is the passion for the souls of men? We
are debtors to reach out to the souls of men Romans chapter one and verse fourteen. The church would do well to learn from the church in Laodicea in Revelation chapter three and verse fourteen and following. Where is the passion?

There must be passion in the pulpit, in the eldership, in the deaconship, teachers and membership. If we are going to walk in the footsteps of Jesus there must be a compassion in our life and service, if we ever hope to help the church to grow. May the Lord help us recover the passion for the souls of men and our service to God and one another that seems to have disappeared in so many areas and places.

Bill Cantrell