Passion (The missing ingredient)
Passion (The missing ingredient)
Recently I recorded a couple podcasts for our Here We Are podcast series, which is available each Wednesday (See our website at www.dallasholm.com). I interviewed my dear friend and sister in Christ, Annie Herring. Annie is a singer/ songwriter, probably best known for her place in Christian music history as a part of Second Chapter of Acts. Annie, her sister Nellie, and brother Matthew provided the intricate and beautiful vocals, along with a superb rhythm section, that defined this well known and powerfully anointed group from the early 70s on into the 80s.
In interviewing Annie for the podcasts, we discussed how she became a Christian, how Second Chapter was formed, how Annie wrote (or received) her songs, and much more relating to that early Jesus Music, its evolution, and many associated memories.
What was interesting, though not necessarily surprising, was that so many of the comments we received from these podcasts referenced what a joy and delight it was to see the passion for Jesus that still remained in Annie and in myself.
This was of course encouraging, but at the same time somewhat concerning that many found it almost surprising that such passion had remained throughout the years, even through great seasons of difficulty and adversity in both our lives.
In this letter, as it relates to the ongoing theme of being intentional in sharing our faith, I want us to consider this component of passion.
May I submit that the best information we might articulate about Jesus and our relationship to Him, will carry infinitely more power if it is delivered by one who possesses true passion; passion for Jesus, passion for the truth of scripture, and passionate concern for the one with whom we are sharing.
Why would we expect someone else to be excited about something for which we seem to possess no excitement ourselves?
Now it is true, many have come to faith in Christ simply by reading scripture or hearing the claims of the gospel in one way or another. “The truth will make you free” (John 8:32).
But what of those who are not inclined to open a Bible or place themselves anywhere within close proximity to the gospel message, such as in a church?
Perhaps this is why every Christian has been commissioned (commanded) to go into all the world, preach the gospel, and make disciples.
Would you be inclined to place your child in a school or some kind of learning program if those in charge seemed to be rather dispassionate about what they had to offer?
We make many large and small purchases throughout our lives because of the passionate recommendation of others. How then shall we recommend the “Pearl of Great Price”?
On a scale of 1 to 10, 1 being passionless and 10 being very passionate, how would you rate the level of your passion for Jesus today?
This may seem an odd exercise, but I believe it is incredibly important that we maintain and yes, increase our passion for Jesus and for souls.
Jesus addresses this very issue in the book of Revelation. The Lord addresses seven churches, starting with the church at Ephesus. He begins by commending the Ephesian church for several things which they have done right. But then He offers an indictment: “I have this against you, that you have left your first love” (Revelation 2:4).
Matthew Henry, the great commentator, offers this verse as follows, “I want you to consider from what a great height you have fallen, in the realm of your fiery passions, which you once held toward me!”
Might Jesus offer this same indictment to us?
If we have walked with Him farther, if we know Him and His Word better, and if we now love Him more, how can it possibly be less exciting now than when we began.
Our Christian lives should be a crescendo of increasing passion for Jesus. If on the “passion scale” we find ourselves on the low or middle portion of 1 to 10, there is a solution.
It’s the same for us as it was for the church at Ephesus. “Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first” (Revelation 2:5). Some translations say, “Go back and do the first works over again.”
In other words, what were we about as new Christians? Generally, we were full of passion because we’d just been saved and cleansed. We lived our lives as a response of gratitude for God’s love, grace, and mercy. We prayed, we read our Bibles, we wanted to be among the community of believers. Go back, if necessary, and commit to these things (and more) once again.
Every day we cross paths and rub shoulders with those who are lost, hurting, and discouraged. The world, the flesh, and the devil conspire always to intentionally and deceitfully lead such as these astray!
May we who possess “The Truth”, “The Hope of the Ages”, and “The Pearl of Great Price”, offer with even greater passion and intentionality, salvation to the lost, healing for the hurting, and hope to the discouraged….all in Jesus’ name!
May the title of this letter never define us: Passion (the missing ingredient)
In Christ,
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Dallas Holm
