Passion

Passion. It’s what drives me day in and day out to continue running, plodding and straining to “firmly establish a thriving and growing gospel-centered church in South Denver,” our church’s vision statement. It is what’s behind my passion for the pulpit and pastoral ministry. I am passionate each and every Sunday to “proclaim God’s glory in the gospel of Jesus Christ” and then see that passion impact neighborhoods, workplaces, and homes “through a Spirit-empowered community,” our church’s mission statement.

I’ve been told on more than one occasion passion marks my personality as an individual and preaching as a pastor. But this passion does not originate with me. It transcends time and space. It comes from the Holy Spirit of God. And one of life’s greatest pleasures for me is to transfer this passion to others. In essence, it’s a passion for the gospel of Jesus Christ.

What excites me most lately is I’m seeing the congregation that God has called me to lead catching this passion, and it’s growing in their hearts and lives. Even more importantly, I’m seeing my wife and children increase in this passion. Nothing fires me up more than the gospel, and, secondarily, nothing motivates me more than being a “fire starter” for others to catch that passion. I think that’s why the following quote by one of my heroes – Dr. Al Mohler – only added to this existing passion when I read it.

As you read it, ask yourself, “Am I passionate about what matters most – the gospel of Jesus Christ? Or are there other (idolatrous) things that ‘get my juices flowing’ more than the gospel?” Dads, are you transferring passion for sports to your kids, more than zeal for the Savior? Moms are you communicating passion for family to your children, more than a passion to be fully devoted worshipers of our Heavenly Father? What fundamentally causes you to arise from your bed each morning – making money or glorifying our Messiah in and through everything you put your hands to? We’re all leading someone. The question is: where are we ultimately leading them? To what is our leadership actually pointing?

“The Christian leader finds passion in the great truths of the Christian faith, and especially in the gospel of Jesus Christ. No one who has truly experienced the transforming and redeeming power of the gospel can think of life without passion. Leadership arises from this passion and is driven by it. Other leaders may be driven by a passion for cars or technology or empire building, but the Christian leader is driven by the convictions that give all of life its meaning. Everything else flows from this naturally.” – Albert Mohler, The Conviction to Lead: 25 Principles For Leadership That Matters (54)