Defining Passion

This is a copy of a note I (Sandra) posted elsewhere in response to a request for definitions to the word PASSION.


I have always viewed Passion as Consuming. When fire consumes wood the wood it completely and totally used up. The wood doesn’t choose how to burn or for how long, it is not in control, the fire is. All that is left in the end is a pile of dust. So many times we try to find something to be passionate about like sports or gardening, our jobs or our children, yet we are still unsatisfied. We need a Passion for Christ, He should consume us. We should be completely engulfed by Him. His consumption of us should be like fire to wood. We don’t choose when to burn or for how long, He does. And when He has used us to accomplish His goal we will be completely used up. I know a lot of people this week who will be frustrated, tired, empty, drained, exhausted, and used up by God, ironically while symbolizing the Passion of Christ. Yet what He consumes from them will be spread to others through the flames of His Spirit and those it touches will begin a relationship of Passion for Christ so that they too can be consumed. I need to remember that my goal is not to leave this earth with a perfect family, clean house, successful business or legacy of goodness behind me. It is to leave this earth used up, tired, drained and empty. Because then I will know God consumed me and took what I gave up to benefit those He loves. The reward for this kind of life is an eternity in the presence of the one who calls me to Passion.