Passion Isn’t Always Purpose

Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved (Romans 10:1)

Just because you have a passion or desire for something doesn’t mean that’s God’s purpose for your life. Many Christians have wasted years pursuing a passion that God never assigned to them. We see that the apostle Paul was very passionate about Israel, wanting the people of Israel to get saved and follow Jesus. Although that is a good thing and he had a strong passion for it, there is a tension in the story. God didn’t assign Paul to minister to Israel; he was called to the Gentiles. 

Paul's passion wasn’t the issue. The problem was that he was misaligned with God’s specific calling for his life. We can understand why he desired that; after all, it’s tempting to want to minister only to the groups we most relate to—people our age, in our culture, with our background, or even with our skin color. However, God rarely calls us to comfortable things; in fact, He is more often in the business of calling us outside of our comfort zones.

Every age group, every culture, every skin color is essential to God and His plan. Churches and individuals should not build a ministry or a church around just one particular group of people; we are called to consider everybody. A 4-year-old child needs Jesus just as much as a 95-year-old elder. And the Gospel shows no favoritism. That means, at the end of the day, you don't get to choose your audience; you simply serve the ones God sends. There’s nothing wrong with loving people of your skin tone, culture, or generation. But don’t confuse your passion with your purpose. Zeal is powerful, but only Spirit-led obedience will produce lasting fruit.

Practical Application

Be careful not to confuse what you “like” or are “comfortable with” with your assignment. Ask the Lord to search your heart to ensure that what He wants is what you are pursuing.

1 Corinthians 9:20; Luke 13:34