Daily PresenceSample

Living for something greater than yourself

Most of us misunderstand what passion really means. In our world, everyone is looking for something they are passionate about. When I made the transition from Engineering to full-time ministry it was because an old guy on a plane told me that I needed to find something I was passionate about and find a way to work in it. He said I would never have to work a day in my life. I’ve found that to be true, I love what I do for a living. It’s safe to say that I’m passionate about ministry. But then again, what does that really mean? The word passion theologically refers to Jesus’ suffering. The word compassion means shared suffering. I believe passion means something you’d be willing to suffer for.

What’s most shocking about the story we read today is Moses’ reaction when he finds out he is going to die. In Numbers 27:13 the euphemism is used of Moses being gathered to his people. That means he’ll be dead soon. After receiving this shocking news, Moses does not complain. He does not ask God for more time. He doesn’t say, God, I'm not ready. Instead, he glorifies God and asks for someone to take care of the people of Israel.

That is amazing. Someone once told me, “If it’s not worth dying for, it’s not worth living for.” I carry that with me. I would die for the things and the people I love. I believe that Moses’ passion for God and his God-given task far outweighed in his heart the shocking news of his death. I believe we can all find our passion. It doesn’t have to be just one, but our one true passion should be Jesus Christ. If our love for our craft, work, hobby, etc. exceeds our love and passion for the presence of our God, then our passion is ourselves. We live for ourselves. If that is the case, pray that God would give you a never ending passion for Him. It will energize you and give you a life.