Passion: The Bright Light Of Glory By Louie GiglioSample

Whatever

Sadly, many people grow up in Church with a false sense that they have only two choices in life: they can either serve God in the Church or ministry, or they can take up secular work in the world. But there is no such distinction with God. God isn’t as concerned with “what” we do as He is with “why” we do it.

As A.W. Tozer aptly wrote: It is not what a man does that determines whether his work is sacred or secular, it is why he does it.

What a revolutionary and freeing truth, right? God has placed a unique calling, gifting, aptitude, and skill in every one of us. For some it’s finance, for others farming. Some are skilled to create while others are born to teach. And, yes, some are called to preach and lead God’s people. But while we may all have unique passions and abilities, as followers of Jesus we all have the same purpose: to amplify Jesus in all we do.

So it’s not necessary to spend our days in torment, conflicted about whether we should write a book or become a missionary. The only thing that must be resolved is why we want to do those things. If the why is settled—namely, I love Jesus more than everything and want Him to be known in my life above everything—then we are free to pursue the passion God has placed in our hearts.

Paul writes, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17. “Whatever” is pretty broad, but doing it for one name is pretty specific.

So what has God placed a passion in your heart to do? Do you realize that if He has placed the gifting and desire within you it’s ok for you to run after that purpose and desire? Certainly God wouldn’t make you a skilled painter so you could spend your entire life and never paint a thing. And no, every painting doesn’t have to be pointedly about the story of Jesus. But, you do.

You have a talent for a reason: to serve the world, bring hope to others and make the world a place that reflects the wonder of God. So do whatever you do with excellence and passion. But as you go, live in such a way that people can see the distinctive of your heart and the Jesus-like character of your approach to success, failure, struggle and acclaim.

Stop stressing about what you should do with today and do whatever it is that you are doing today as if you were doing it personally for Jesus. Spend less time fighting against your gifting and more time sinking into the Church and the Word so you can stand strong as a beacon for Jesus in the field in which He plants you.