Discovering God's Secret PlacesSample

 Our Passionate Vision 

If we think of an example of someone passionate in the New Testament, we think of Paul. Paul was passionate about what Jesus was passionate about. Paul’s vision was first for an intimate knowledge of Jesus Christ. In Philippians 1:21 he says, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” You can’t get much more passionate than that. 

The second thing Paul was passionate about was sharing the gospel. His vision was to “testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.” (Acts 20:24). Paul had his priorities right. He wanted every Christ-follower to share his view of Christ as described so beautifully in Philippians 2:5-11. He also wanted them to spend themselves reaching the lost because of who Jesus was and what He did for us.

There is no sphere where a clear, passionate vision is more important in the lives of Christ’s followers than in outreach, evangelism and missions. Jesus had a passion for the lost, and so did Paul. But many times, our vision begins to flag, often accompanied by our passion. 

What is causing your vision to languish? One thing which often affects missionaries, pastors and Christ-followers is an ancient foe called acedia (ə-ˈsē-dē-ə). While it may be defined as mere apathy or boredom, acedia is in its essence a spiritual malaise. It results in restlessness, boredom, fantasizing, a fear of commitment and eventually despair. A passionate vision has no room to grow where acedia takes root.

As I enter my 30th year as a cross-cultural worker in Asia, I have found that to sustain my passionate vision like Jesus and like Paul, I must first and foremost preserve my passion for Jesus by spending time with Him in the Word and in prayer. This will not only keep acedia from growing in my heart but will keep my perspective on Christ and his mission in our world. Then I must regularly ask God to keep giving me a passionate vision for reaching the lost. 

Our vision must be the same as Jesus’ – He knew the consequences facing those who do not believe. If we do not have a biblical belief regarding the lostness of those without Christ, we will never have a passion for saving them. Oswald Chambers said it well when he wrote, “The only way to keep the life uncrushed is to live looking to God. Ask God to keep the eyes of your spirit open to the Risen Christ, and it will be impossible for drudgery to damp you.” 1

o Praise God that…

  Jesus showed us how to live a passionate, selfless life by His obedience and sacrifice.

o Pray that…

   Your vision to know Christ and share His gospel would be as passionate as the apostle Paul’s was.

   You would keep acedia at bay by daily reminding yourself of the truth of the gospel and by seeking God’s presence through prayer in your secret place.

1 Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, March 6th