What is your passion? by Chris Whitler
What ignites your passion? A question often posed to and thought about by young people who are beginning to discern their career. We’re told that pursing our passion will take us much farther than just picking a job for the salary it will provide.
We tend to think of our “passion” as things that excite us and make us happy and fulfilled. And this can be true. A common definition of passion is “a very strong emotion.”
But the latin root for the word actually means “to suffer”. Think “The Passion of the Christ.” A good friend pointed this out to me some years ago and it has stuck with me ever since. We often ask what makes us happy or fulfilled when considering a life path or calling but rarely do we think to consider what causes us pain.
Our own suffering can be a great motivator when it is surrendered to God. As we find healing from the places where we have suffered, we can turn that into healing for others. There are many great examples in our own community of people who have taken the pain of their life and are using that to make the world a better place.
Mentors who grew up in dysfunctional homes who are now working with young people in similar situations. The former addicts that lead thriving recovery ministries. The young mother who went through chemotherapy and now helps care for others. And these are just a few!
As we are being healed from our life’s pain, it seems that part of our healing is wrapped up in helping others also find healing. Our world, our country, our city, our neighborhood and even our own home and heart is broken. You can be a part of God’s great work of redemption and healing in this broken world. And, while it’s nice to focus on what makes us happy, we should not forget to ask what causes us pain.
And we do not have to face these things alone. That is why God has provided pastors, friends and whole congregations of people for us to work alongside. Do you need help to know where your passion will fit into our city’s healing? Look to your community. And you can always call us at AVC! Connecting people with opportunities is what we’re all about!
So, what has caused you pain in your life? How have you found healing? How can you, as a part of the body of Christ, work to bring that healing to others?
“All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us.” 2 Cor 1: 3 & 4 (The Message)
