Passion vs. Purpose

Passion vs. Purpose

"The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out."-Proverbs 20:5

"Many people have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose."-Helen Keller

"Passion doesn't look beyond the moment of its existence."-Christian Nevell Bovee

A few weeks ago, two of my favorite people—a married couple in the ATL---called to do what we try to do once a month: play catch up on our lives.  As we were sharing what we had going on, I asked them a question that I have found myself asking most of my friends lately: "So, are you happy?"

It's funny.  The husband said something that I didn't expect, but it has stuck with me ever since.  His immediate response was, "Shellie, happiness is overrated but we have joy.  That is what God has promised us."  He was so right.  Not to say that being "cheerful", "enthusiastic" or "fortunate" is a bad thing but happiness tends to be an emotional response to our circumstances.  To me, "joy" is a state of mind.  It's a place of peace that you have in knowing that no matter what, God's in control of your life…if you let Him be.

I gave this concept a lot of thought following that conversation and I think it prepared me for a conversation that I had with a girlfriend of mine later that same week.  She called me to say that while is she beautiful, highly educated, accomplished and God-fearing (she didn't call to say that, I'm saying that), she had not really found her passion yet.  She said that because it seemed that I had found mine in writing, she wanted to know how I got it.  Funny how the circle of life works.  I found myself saying something very similar to what my friend stated to me just days before:  "I don't think it's about finding your passion, it's about finding your purpose."

Now let me put this disclaimer on where I am going with this.  As with happiness, there is a time and place for a certain amount of passion (and I wish especially more married folks would find it).  But, there's nothing in the definition of the word (a powerful emotion of such as love, joy, hatred or anger; boundless enthusiasm; strong sexual desire; an intense, driving or overpowering emotion) that indicates that having passion brings forth any level of balance and a life in Christ is all about just that: balance.

Looking back over my own life, I know that most of the trouble that I got myself into was because I was motivated by passion.  I let fear, resentment, jealousy, carnality and my addiction to it all move me because of passion.  I spoke out of turn because of passion.  I gave myself to people I didn't belong to because of passion.  I overworked, overate and overspent because of passion.  I made compulsive decisions because of passion.  I wasted time doing things that would not benefit me in the long run because of passion.  I made rash, irresponsible and immature decisions which resulted in my often being the victim and victimizer (sometimes at the same time) because of passion; all of this because I allowed however I was feeling at the time to motivate my thoughts and actions.  Let me tell you, passion is a selfish friend to have because it's all about what you can do for it and it rarely takes your long term needs into consideration.

Now purpose is something entirely different.  When you make it a point to find your purpose, you are looking for "the object toward which one strives or for which something exists"; "an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions"; "the quality of being determined to do or achieve something" and "a result or effect that is intended or desired".  When you are "on purpose", you are taking part in something that works with and not against you.  Purpose cares about every area of your life: your career, your health, your family, your relationships, your needs and yes, even your wants---that is if they are best for you (long term).  Purpose doesn't only guide you into things that will only benefit you today, but all the days of your life.  Purpose is always faithful, rational, patient and loyal. Purpose is something that no matter how much the Enemy may try, cannot be tainted with or destroyed (unlike passion) and purpose is something that, no matter where you are, who you were or what you have, can make something be or become miraculously great.

Sadly, many of us waste entirely too much time chasing down our passions instead of finding our purpose.  No wonder we make so many poor decisions. 

If you are in a relationship with someone just because they look good or can make you feel good, you are being deceived by passion.  You know what makes a covenant relationship last?  People who understand that no matter how their mate may make  them feel at any given time, they are certain that he/she is good for them emotionally, mentally, spiritually and physically.  They see beyond the bed sheets and into the vision that they have for one another's life, legacy and eternal destination. 

If you are on a job just because of the pay check, you are being deceived by passion.  You know what makes a person tolerate the ups and downs of a goal?  It's knowing that what they are doing is a part of God's plan; they are aware that it will be advantageous for more than themselves, it won't comprise their character or God's integrity, it's something that makes their parents (parents who also are on their purpose, whole 'nother devotional) pleased and their children proud; it complements their personality, their gifts and their desires; it doesn't use ulterior motives, manipulative tactics or comparatives  to achieve a certain level of success.

If you are wasting time on frivolous things, you are being deceived by passion.  Who cares if you have the latest model car or the newest pair of shoes?  Who cares how cute people think you are, how many notches you have on your belt, how many celebrities you know, how long your list of credentials are or if when you walk in a room, how many people recognize you?  Who cares about your definition of status and monetary value?  I'll tell you who: passionate people.

People "on purpose" are too busy investing in intangible wealth (you know, things like making the world a better place, giving to those in need whether or not they get the credit, helping their friends and loved ones stay on their own purpose, leaving an inheritance for their community) to spend time entertaining such fleeting notions.  They are mature enough to understand that, like a drug, the high that passion gives is never enough; you will always have to do more and more…and more to satisfy it until eventually you are either broken, lost or dead---mentally, emotionally, physically or spiritually.

As this week comes to a close, if you are wondering just what your purpose really is in this life, don't rely on passion to tell you.  One day it will be Jim (or Janice), the next it will be Todd (or Tammy).  One week it will be a law degree, the next it will be acting school.  One month it will be fortune, the next it will be fame.  Meanwhile, the years will be passing you by and you'll have very little to show for it.  Instead, ask God to reveal your purpose to you.  If you remain open, honest and obedient, He will show you.

Trust me, if you didn't have one, you wouldn't be here and the Enemy (who is always threatened by purpose) wouldn't have you so distracted by passion that you would be neglectful in finding it in the first place.

©Shellie R. Warren/2005