What Is Your Passion?

“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” – Howard Thurman

What is the thing that makes you come alive? Do you know? Have you ever considered that question?

We are learning a ridiculous amount here at G42, but as we all look toward the future and try to discern what we are going to dedicate our lives to it always seems to come back to that question. I know growing up I never really cultivated my passions or invested in them. I actually never really put much stock in them at all. In all honesty, I was usually busy pursuing other people’s passions and what other people thought was cool. Everyone wants to be an athlete, great, I will do that. Everyone wants to be a musician, sweet, I am in. I never spent much time trying to really figure out the passions that God had put in my heart that really made me who I am, and I am finally starting to see that by grasping those things and living out our passions, we really do come alive. We start to be the people that God designed us to be, and we start to make an impact on this world simply by being ourselves.

He knows what he is passionate about!


Are You Doing Anything About It?

If you know what your passions are, are you living out those passions that are inside of you? What are you actually doing about those things that you love and that stir your soul. Is it making music or writing or cooking or caring for others? Is it teaching or preaching or healing or practicing law? Is it working in a church or working at a business? Is it being around other people or is it striking out on your own? What are you doing about those passions?

I think if a lot of us were honest with ourselves, we would say that we have put those passions on the back burner or the someday list or we are just waiting until we finish the life checklist that was drawn up for us, and then we will pursue those things. I know because I have been in that place. I have coasted along, and I have watched my life pass me by. Truthfully, it was not really all that bad. I was comfortable, I was having fun, I felt good most of the time, and I did not feel like I was missing out on much, but looking back, I can see that I was missing out on the life that Jesus promised us and the life that He died to give us. I know countless people that are trapped in jobs, in lifestyles, in ministries, and in positions that they hate and are desperate to leave but are not taking any steps toward their true passions in life. I can promise you that you are not serving anyone or doing the world any favors by living that way.

Why Are You Not Pursuing It?

What is holding you back from your dreams and your passions? Are you afraid of failure, afraid of rejection, worried about money, afraid of other people’s reactions? Are you lazy, too comfortable, or overcome with false humility? Do you think that you are honoring God by your suffering or the amazing sacrifice that you are making?

Your fears are robbing the rest of the world of what you have been given by God to give to others. We all need what you have to give. Your dreams and passions were given to you by God for an express purpose, and we desperately need you to get over yourself, your insecurities, and your fears, so that you can start changing our world. I can testify to the fact that you desperately need it too. God is for you, and there is nothing that can stand in your way. Please chase after the things that make you come alive and the things that you are passionate about.

On our first day of class, we were given a quote that is so simple that it is profound:

“Love God, and do what you want.” – St. Augustine

I know that it will probably take you some time to wrestle through the theological implications of that statement, but it is true, and it is incredibly freeing. If you are truly loving God, please go and do the things that bring you most joy and Him the most glory!

How Can You Start Pursuing It Right Now?

Please do not let this be just be another blog or more words that sound really good but you forget about in the next ten minutes. Please take some time to consider how you might actually apply this to your life.

What steps can you take to start living the abundant life that God has called you to? How can you start pursuing your passions this moment? Should you quit your job, get out of your relationship, go back to school, move out of your parents’ house, or do you just have to start doing it?

I follow a man on Twitter named Bob Goff, who is fantastic. Every so often, on Thursdays, he will post something that says, “It’s Thursday, quit waiting” or “It’s Thursday, are you finally going to change?” It really is that simple. Depending on the day that you read this blog, tell yourself, “It’s ……day, and I am not going to wait anymore,” and show up for your life!

 

Please share your answers to the questions below. What are your passions? What is holding you back? I would really enjoy hearing your thoughts.