A Passion For The Christ

There has been much banter regarding the movie The Passion Of The Christ. Through personal dialog, media blitz, theological debate, and a host of other forums that have been used to discuss the relevance of this movie, we must not lose sight of the fact that out of The Passion Of The Christ must flow A Passion For The Christ.

There are many passionate statements in Scripture, such as "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death" (Philippians 3:10). Such statements are deeply rooted in conviction that is expressed by the Apostle Paul who above all others was given the greatest revelation regarding Christ. His passion for intimacy is also found in his prayers. "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him" (Ephesians 1:17). However, such prayers were for the church that it might have the same desire to grow and experience what Paul experienced. His passion for the Christ carried him to total abandonment of any worldly interests. Suffering became a way of life that was welcomed because it would testify to the glory of God and the furtherance of the gospel.

Where do we see this today? Why is passion an emotion reserved only for sporting events, the Dow Jones Industrials, and the lottery? Why is passion directed at the temporal and not the eternal? The answer is not found by searching commentaries, nor is it buried in some theological tome. The answer is found in our heart. Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matthew 6:21). The heart becomes mired in worldly pursuits. A passion for more competes with a passion for less. A passion for less you say? Who in his right mind would develop a passion for less? The person who wishes to avoid many sorrows, that's who. "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness" (I Timothy 6:10-11). A passion for the Christ will drain the soul of its passion for the stuff of life. It seems we are always trying to get rid of stuff. However, it was never called stuff when we bought it. It was called merchandise or valuables. It was called keeping up with the Jones. It was called a great buy or a wise purchase. So when does it turn into stuff? It doesn't morph from merchandise in the store to stuff at a garage sale. It is just stuff pure and simple and always will be.

Stuff is only a blessing from God when...
1) It is appreciated as coming from God
2) We hold it loosely
3) We do not despair if it is lost or damaged
4) It doesn't dull our passion for the Christ

Sorry about the length, but I had to get a lot of STUFF off my chest and out of my garage. That's the way I see things.