Passion
The concept of “passion” is a compelling one to meditate on. Am I passionate about the Lord? What evidence is there in my life that would show I am passionate for Him? In Luke 19, Zacchaeus was so changed by meeting with Jesus, that he was passionately moved to make restitution for his dishonesty as a tax collector. In Luke 7:37-38 “a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil.”
Passion is often characterized by overpowering emotion, and yet the action that follows the emotional response is far more significant and enduring. Jesus did not respond emotionally in most situations, but His life's aim and purpose show He is the most passionate man who ever lived for He endured the cross for me. (Hebrews 12:2) Passion is directly related to our constant realization of what God has done for us. (Luke 7:40-48) When we understand we are forgiven, passion for Jesus is a natural result.
There are so many distractions for us today: busyness, anxiety, relationships, and the sensational. One of Satan’s great tricks is to get us distracted from the reality of Jesus’ love and redemption, and there is a tendency over time and repetition to become mechanical in our worship. Jesus rebuked and exhorted the Church of Ephesus in Rev. 2:4-5 over the same idea – “Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works…”
It is needful for us to continually return to the Gospel, to the cross. Every day we need to remember the passion Christ has for us, displayed by dying on the cross. Contemplating His great sacrifice, our response will be one of passionate worship, adoration, and changed behavior.
Motivation
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
The Corinthian Church in Paul’s day was quite dysfunctional. They were very active in the gifts of the Spirit, yet they were allowing sin and false teaching to go unchecked. Paul’s letter was one of instruction and reproof. In 1 Cor. 15:58 Paul gives us a great truth: “knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” What awesome motivation this is for us to continue in our faith. “Therefore” takes us back to what Paul wrote in the Chapter:
Jesus has risen from the dead. (v20) Therefore, our labor is not in vain because everything He said and taught is true, and He is coming again.
We are going to heaven. (v51) Therefore, our labor is not in vain because this life is not all there is to our existence, and we are citizens of heaven.
I am going to get a glorified body. (v53-55) Therefore, our labor is not in vain because we can use these bodies, “tents,” until they are all used up.
We have victory in Jesus, both presently and future. (v57) Therefore, we can continue to be steadfast and immovable, knowing our labor is not in vain because we win!
We are going to be rewarded. (Col. 3:23-24) Therefore, our labor is not in vain because it will be rewarded.
Success in life boils down to faithfulness. Have I been faithful with what He has given me? Why am I doing what I am doing? God’s value system is so different from our own, so let us seek Him that His desires would become our own; that He alone would be our motivation.
Is our labor in vain? Should we continue? “We shall see His face, and His Name shall be on [our] foreheads… And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work.” (Rev. 22:1-4, 12)