Whatever you do, work at it with all of your heart, as working for the Lord.
— Colossians 3:23
As a fan, coach, and broadcaster, I have watched thousands of athletic contests over the years. As I sit in the stands or in the broadcast booth, it is interesting to watch the game unfold. Two teams take the field or court. Both have worked and have prepared for the contest. They both want to win. Knowing all of this, you would expect that both teams would then bring the same type of intensity and passion into the contest. However, as I have watched sports over the years, it has become clear to me that this is not the case. There is sometimes a very marked difference in the intensity of play between one team and the other. It is what separates the great teams from the good teams. What a difference passion makes.
Every team in the world wants to win. But not all have the will to prepare to win and the passion to overcome difficulties when they arrive, which they always do at some time during the season.
Great teams and athletes have great passion.
The Word calls us to have the same as people of God. Sunday we heard a message from the Word about some “heroes of the faith.” These past believers had a passionate faith that led them to finish their race strong and with victory. Do you currently know those who have a passion for the things of God and the work of the Kingdom? We all have that from time to time. At other times our effort and intensity are not where they should be. How about now? What type of spiritual passion do you have — do I have — as we start this day as children of the King? Has there ever been a time in your life when your passion was higher? What might be the reason for that?
We have a high and holy calling. We are a part of a great team: the family of God. That should give us a passion today, whatever our earthly tasks might be. Let’s ask God to bless us and our congregation with a passion for the work that is set before us.
Great churches are passionate.
Whatever you do in word or deed, do all to the Glory of God.
— Colossians 3:17