Definition:
1) often capitalized
a: the sufferings of Christ between the night of the Last Supper and his death
b: an oratorio based on a gospel narrative of the Passion.
2) obsolete : suffering
3) The state or capacity of being acted on by external agents or forces.
4) a(1): emotion <his ruling passion is greed> (2)plural : the emotions as distinguished from reason
b: intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction
c: an outbreak of anger.
5) a: ardent affection : love
b: a strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object, or concept
c: sexual desire
d: an object of desire or deep interest.
synonyms: passion , fervor , ardor , enthusiasm , zeal mean intense emotion compelling action. passion applies to an emotion that is deeply stirring or ungovernable <was a slave to his passions>. fervor implies a warm and steady emotion <read the poem aloud with great fervor>. ardor suggests warm and excited feeling likely to be fitful or short-lived <the ardor of their honeymoon soon faded>. enthusiasm applies to lively or eager interest in or admiration for a proposal, cause, or activity <never showed much enthusiasm for sports>. zeal implies energetic and unflagging pursuit of an aim or devotion to a cause <preaches with fanatical zeal>.
Passion can be divided/classified into five main categories (in my opinion): Passion for self, others, things, a cause, country and a higher being. The question really is what does it mean to me? Paul mentioned what I would call passion when he used the scripture Romans 5:7 (King James Version)
For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. I think Christ made that standard of passion for us when He gave Himself as a sacrifice for us. God met that standard when He gave His only Son Jesus for our sins. Should we repay that with our own passion for Him and His ways? I think so. One area I mentioned is the passion for self. Yes fill in your name it is YOU. YOU are the important one in YOUR life. YOU want it? It is YOURS. YOU like it? Why not? Go ahead and get it. Isn’t it amazing how passionate we are about something we like and enjoy?
Right after (before for some) is the passion for others (this would be our kids & grandkids, spouses, etc.). We will do anything for them. Little league, science projects, soapbox derby, 4H, puppies, ponies, etc. Often they become a driving force that captures our time and energy. They guide our thoughts and plans, showing up in our around the water cooler talk, distinguishing us from mere bystanders (as opposed ardent, fervent, or passionate parents). Our involvement usually becomes stepping stones for another project. It seems when people deal with their children or close family, they show a great deal of passion or intense emotion for our loved ones.
Another area of passion can be found in possessions (for things). Money, houses, cars, and other things like toys can often be a passion for people’s lives. The desires to own, amass, and possess runs strong in people and I think tends to be a natural way of life. Yet it is often invaded and even driven by greed. This can consume one’s time to the point that other needful things are neglected. Often people’s passion for possessions cost them much in the way of family and relationships. They grab and grab and believe they are grabbing happiness when it is elusive for them and they often find out after it is too late.
Passion for a cause can be a driving force in one’s life. Our nation was founded by men who had a passion for an idea or a cause “ liberty”. Beliefs and ideals are a great part of people’s dreams and yearning in life. Their passion can be so great they will give their life. Patrick Henry is remembered for his quote, “Give me liberty or give me death!” There are a good many other causes available if people so choose to pursue them. Helping the poor, widows, orphans, sick, etc. All of whom desperately need help at times, is a noble cause and hopefully a passion. Passion for causes can be strong, but often they pale when they have to compete with our selfish passions we carry around. I think our true passion has a way of surfacing.
Passion for a country is strong. It is this very thing that brings men (and women) to fight for their country in a time of war. Passion caused brother to fight brother during the Civil War. Passion caused numerous volunteers to sign up for the military after 911. It is passion that brings men to a place of sacrificing their own lives for what they see as right. Nathan Hale said, “ I regret that I have but one life to give for my country.”¯ This was spoken by a 21 year-old patriot just before he was executed by the British. Passion. Passion for the Lord should exist. Why? Because He gave His all for us. He loves us. We should love Him. After all, love should be the fiber of passion. I am not talking about one’s physical attraction and feelings for another person. I am talking about putting another’s needs above our own. This is what God and His Son did when He gave His life for us. He met our need before we even were aware of it. He gave all for us. Passion.
This should be our passion for one who made eternal life in glory for us. The question for many is how can we repay the One who gave so much for us? What does He want from us? Luke 11:11(King James Version) If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?
I think we need to give Him our best “ us”. If our passion is right, we will be the best “child” we can be to our Lord and Savior. If we tell others how much we love Him and how much He loves us (and them) it will make a great difference in our lives and theirs as well. Yet often it is our own passion for self that once again overcomes what should be and pushes our weaker passions aside.
So, What is your passion?¯Or I probably should ask, Who is your passion?¯
