Passion allows endeavors of life to be enjoyable, fun, and creative.
Whether we’re thinking of what career path we choose or where to volunteer our time or selecting a leisure time activity, it’s important that we follow our passions. When we think about what is needed to be successful in life and in our work, we usually think about characteristics like value, talent, ambition, intellect, discipline, and persistence. What many of us often fail to include in this recipe for success is passion. The passion we have, or don’t have, for the life we choose should not be underestimated. Sometimes this ingredient could make the biggest difference of all.
Mother Theresa said, “I am not sure exactly what heaven will be like, but I know that when we die and it comes time for God to judge us, He will not ask, ‘How many good things have you done in your life rather He will ask, ‘How much love did you put into what you did?’”
True success is, or at least should be, primarily defined as an achievement of something desired. So, the most successful people are the ones who achieve the things they most desire. And what we desire the most is to be proud of what we do with our lives. I believe this is especially true when it comes to our work and our family. A truly successful person is one who is proud of the work she does and the care she gives to her family.
What I Mean by Passion
When I speak of passion, I don’t mean it in the romantic way. What I mean by passion is the powerful feeling of enthusiasm we all have inside of us. We are all enthusiastic and passionate about something, whether its finance, food or a favorite activity. That enthusiasm is very powerful. When we can combine it with our pursuits and our faith, we are setting ourselves up well for achieving true success.
Passion Is so Important
When we are enthusiastic and proud of the work we do, the better equipped we’ll be to overcome the many obstacles that will surely arise. Also, the more enthusiasm we have, the more inclined we are to work harder at improving ourselves. This will allow us to continuously get better at every pursuit we are engaged in.
Where does the passion come from?
But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely. Galatians 5: 2
As a young child, I loved Jesus. It was simple. I was excited about the decision I made to invite Jesus Christ Lord into my life. I could not wait to share this good news with my best friend. I wanted Sara, my childhood friend, to have the blessing of eternal life in heaven too. I wanted her to love and to accept Jesus into her heart also. So it became my daily pursuit to liv
e God’s way and to share the love of Jesus. And that same desire, passion continues still to this day.
Surprisingly this passion never changed. Oh! definitely the picture has changed with each new season: I am not swinging on a playground swing telling my friends about Jesus. I am not involved any more in the high school or college campus ministry sharing the truth of the gospel. I am not even that young mom raising her young sons in the faith and leading them to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ or being that teacher/instructor who wanted so desperately for my students to experience the abundance of a God-centered life. Those seasons have passed but in my present season the passion continues. God has graciously brought me to a new space to share. I simply love Jesus; so I write, counsel, mentor, lead, speak and encourage women to live simply, passionately, and intentionally for Jesus.
This passion has brought purpose and fulfillment in my life. It has not only enriched my personal life but brought wonderful enthusiasm to my career life. I encourage you today to really seek the passion that God has placed in your heart and run to it.
The Study: Complete in the workbook pages 83-85. 
Promise
“He will give you the desires of your heart”
Blessing
“Be blessed by the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”
Bonnie Liabenow 