So tonight I had a great conversation with a couple of friends and it was passionate, motivating & convicting all in one. We were talking about things such as faith and politics, as well as other areas of life, and how we are focused.
The point was made and I agree wholeheartedly, that too many Christians on the right primarily, though some on the left as well...end up elevating politics to a point that is higher then even Christ. I have probably been guilty of this at times too, and it's because I let my passions in that area distract me from what should be my primary passion and focus: growing in my relationship with Christ and sharing the gospel message with the world around me.
As a Christian I need to make sure that at the end of the day I can look at my words and deeds and be able to know they pointed to Christ and gave glory to Him alone. I need to interpret or view, everything I do, through the Word of God and illumination of the Spirit. EVERYTHING! From the time I wake up until the time I go to sleep...everything! A few years ago the popular thing was "WWJD" (What Would Jesus Do) and its basic thought was to keep in mind how Jesus would act if He were there in any given situation. While good in its intentions, I think it was lacking in substance of the reality of being a Christian. In Colossians we read "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority." The fullness of who God is, is in Christ AND we have been given fullness in Christ. The Bible also teaches us that we are indwelt with the Holy Spirit. We should not be asking "What would Jesus do?" as if He were some faroff notion, but instead..."Jesus, help me make my decision in You. What should we do in this situation so that it shines the reality of Your presence in my life right now?"
I say this in light of where I started this blog because it is in my passions in every area of life that the biggest passion needs to be shining the truth and reality of Christ in my life. God gives us all passion and abilities in life to use. He gives every person uniqueness of personality and talents that are but a mere aspect or part of His creative work. Some are talented artists., while others are statesmen. Some can connect with and understand wildlife/nature. while yet others can design buildings and cities. Some may be gifted to develop programs that organize people locally or globally and yet others may be gifted in entertaining and helping people escape for a short while.
Without God however, a person is unable to realize their full potential and purpose of their abilities and all to often end up using their abilities for evil and destructive purposes. Once a person becomes a Christian, God then adds to these abilities, spiritual gifts.
Without going into all the dynamics and details of spiritual gifts in contrast to abilities, etc...the point is to be made that they all are given by God and ultimately need to be seen and used through our focus lens of Christ, their creator...our creator. The passion that realizing and having these abilities can bring, needs to be focused like a lazer beam through Christ, so that all of who we are in HIM shines through to the world around us. And yes...a primary purpose and focus of a Christian is spreading the good news/the Gospel, which is Christ crucified and rose again! All of the gifts/abilities He has given us should be used to love people and share the good news, that they can have the reality of Christ in their life beginning now through eternity. Part of spreading the good news is helping the person/s realize their need for it. They, just like every person on this planet before them, with the exception of Christ, was a sinner and needs to be saved. They have a fatal disease and Christ is the cure. We can not...we must not, give up sharing the gospel and keeping Christ at the forefront of all we are about. We are all individuals and how we build relationships and with whom will be different for all of us, but one thing in common is that it is only through Christ that anyone comes into the reality of new life in Him. This reality is both in the here and now as well as the future.
All this to say...whatever you are gifted in and passionate about, make sure that you submit that passion into the fullness of your life in Christ. Make sure that your passion is surrendered to the giver of passion. I believe that in fact, when we do that...when we surrender those passions and abilities, we will find them become even more passionate and able, because we can never outpassion Christ or have abilities greater then His. But He that began a good work in you WILL carry on to completion in Christ Jesus. Stay involved where you are for only you can reach all the people in your life in the ways that GOD has gifted you, but make sure that your focus never leaves Christ. Ultimately it needs to be Him using our abilities and passions since He is the one who created them.
ok...I've rambled enough now and probably confused anyone who may attempt reading this. If I did...I apologize and let me know, cause I would love to hopefully make it clearer. Also...feel free to simply make a comment:-)!
