Passions, Processing

Passions

by Tina

(Photo credit goes to Pixabay.com user pasja1000.)

What are you passionate about? What compels or controls your actions? These are good questions to ponder. Our passions can tell us a lot about the state of our heart. 

According to Scripture, passion can be broken down into two categories: desires of the flesh (or worldly passion) and godly passion.

The difference between the two is that worldly passion is self-seeking. Whereas, godly passion considers God’s desires and seeks to align itself with His will. This passion goes beyond mere feelings. It crucifies (sacrifices or puts to death) the ungodly desires of the flesh for the sake of God’s desire in our lives.

If we follow the desires of the flesh we will never be satisfied because we weren’t created to live for ourselves. A shallow existence will never satisfy the soul. 

We were created to know God and to commune with Him. We were created by Him and for Him. As followers of Christ we are a chosen people. Scripture describes us as a royal priesthood, a holy nation and God’s special possession. We were created for His purpose. This means that our lives are not our own. However, it’s a wonderful thing to belong to God. For God cares for us. He is a father, a brother and a friend. He’s also a teacher, comforter and counselor. We can seek refuge in Him and there is fullness of Joy in Him. 

When we live according to our own desires we essentially become our own god. We are against God and His nature. Nevertheless, out of his great love He made a way to reconcile us to Himself through Jesus Christ. This offer (or invite) is made to every nation of the world. (John 3:16)

Following Jesus will satisfy a thirsty soul and refreshes a weary heart. Whereas, living for the desires of the flesh will leave us with an empty cup: always thirsting for more of a drink that can never satisfy the soul.

Worldly Passion vs. Godly Passion

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Not Feeling It?

“Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” ❤

–Psalm  37:4

This was a really great article on the verse above: Is Oprah right on Psalm 37:4? What John Piper wrote is VERY well said.

17 thoughts on “Passions”

    1. Oh, I don’t know Dawn. It was a free to use photo I found on Pixabay.com. I chose it because I’ve been doing some flower pressing of the wild flowers and grasses I collect on my walks. Books are a wonderful passion as well. Especially reading from God’s word. ❤

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  3. Pingback: Passions — Pippi’s Poetry – Jesusluvsall's Blog

  4. Following our own desires will never truly satisfy. It gives an illusion of momentary satisfaction but there is never contentment to be found.
    A good reminder Tina. We need to definitely reflect time and time again what are we truly passionate about.

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  5. Thanks for the wonderful reminder, Tina. Our passion, or what we treasure, tells a lot about the state of our hearts. Learning to be more like Jesus means embracing the fruits of the Spirit; and moving forward in love. The pathway to inner peace. The Oprah article was interesting – John Piper has some very good points. Blessings! 💖🌹🌻🐝🌺

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  6. Thank you for this post. It really spoke to me. At the time, I was feeling “antsy” because of my to do list. I wanted to get things accomplished. I tend to be a bit obsessive with things. When I am working on something, I want to get it done “now.” And I push myself. But your post helped me to slow down and remember that my passion needs to be in God alone. He will work everything out in His perfect timing. So thank you, my friend! I needed this. 🦋

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