Passion is defined as an intense emotion, compelling action or strong devotion to an idea, activity or concept. We all know passion is readily used in all sorts of marketing arenas and for good reason. It’s a word that needs no explanation. It is defined by it’s activity. More than any other venue, Christians should be readily earmarked by passion since we are followers of the greatest act of passion in history. As depicted in the movie, The Passion of the Christ, Jesus displayed His passion for us and His Father’s will. Trust me, no one walked out of the movie and thought, “I wonder if God loves me”. His actions clearly showed the overwhelming love that God has for mankind.

God not only has passion for us but He created us to be passionate for the things He is passionate about. If you will, we are a display of His passion and we should live that out every day on the glass shelves of our society. The problem is that some seem to have lost their passion. Why? Why do people lose it? I think the first reason is that they require the acceptance and approval of others. Abraham Lincoln is one of the most popular leaders in American history. For centuries we have rehearsed his humble beginnings and attitude towards failure. As you know, one of his great passions was abolishing slavery. And yet his passion fueled the anger of many Americans. Oddly enough he wasn’t esteemed and admired then as he is now. As a matter of fact he was killed for his beliefs. But aren’t we glad he followed his passion? The Apostle Paul stated in Galatians 1:10 – “Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.” We all are pleasing someone or something. If this includes those around us alone then we cannot be pleasing to God.

The second reason we lose our passion is that we allow something that was precious to become familiar. I came across a story years ago about a man who had lost his elderly father and was rummaging through his possessions. He found a small old fashioned crate box that was labeled dynamite – handle with care! Obviously he began to treat it differently than some of the other things he had discovered. Building up enough nerve, he cautiously began to open the box and found it was a catch all box where all the miscellaneous things had been tossed. At one time it was handled with such fear and care. What would that be for us? Those things that were special and cherished but now ordinary. Maybe it’s a spouse, a child, a job, a ministry or conviction. Whatever it is I believe it can be rediscovered.

Like it was with our 16th President, we will be known and judged for our passion. It is what identifies us to the those around us as well as those who follow us. What is your passion? Is it easily identified?

There are a few iconic objects in recent history that have changed the way we think about that particular item.  Take Starbucks for example, they changed the way we think about coffee.  What about the Nike swoosh?  Our concept of footwear has been broadened by this $50 trademark image.  These companies, along with others like it, have changed our culture.  While it is natural to see change occur with time there are a few objects that transform the way we will forever see particular things.  As I was preparing for a message during Christmas I was reminded of several iconic images of Jesus.  The manger, a photo of Christ, the Bible are just a few of these “brandings”.  These images are the most circulated objects in the history of man.  These  objects prove without question that Jesus is the greatest transformationalist of all time.  And we are His followers which means we are carriers of His cultural transformation.

What is a cultural transformation or CT?  It is the process of seeing heaven invade earth.  So many throughout the years have embraced the belief we will experience heaven after we pass from this earth.  While this is true and should be greatly anticipated, it shouldn’t be viewed as the first time we see heaven.  Jesus’ model prayer for us included, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”  This happens when we choose to be with the means in which this transfer takes place.  When Jesus left the earth He gave the continuance of transformation to 12 men.  According to Acts 17:6 these 12 men as well as others turned the world upside down..

Jesus started many conversations or teachings with the phrase, “the kingdom of God is like”.  Through these parables and analogies He was communicating how heaven should be manifested on earth.  In Luke 13:20-21 Jesus used yeast to bring about a kingdom principle.  I think so many times the thought of an entire community, city, region or nation being transformed for Christ seems too overwhelming and out of reach.  But if you faithfully apply the “yeast of the gospel” in small applications in various venues it will eventually infiltrate the whole area.  So how do we do this?  So many Christians feel they have committed too much wrongdoing or feel too unqualified to be a transformer.  I’ve noticed God doesn’t need a whole lot to do a whole lot.

Let’s discuss 3 attitudes we need to bring a CT:

First, we must believe we have the ability to influence.  Too many Christians are convinced only those with type A personality or extroverts are influencers.  But if you think about it some of the most unsuspecting people have initiated huge transformations. Like John Geddes, a layman who ended up in New Hebrides, South Pacific Islands, because no missionaries would go.  On his tombstone it was written, “when he came here there no Christians when he left there were no heathen”.  We all are influenced by those who are unaware of their influence.  Have you ever ordered a menu item only for those with you to choose the same item?  That’s influence!  There are people evolving around our world everyday who are being influenced by us.  We have the abilty to insert Christ through us.  It is the faithfulness of these seemingly small actions and words we knead the yeast of Christ into our society.  Secondly, we must live carpe deim.  Of course this means to seize the day or moment.  Micheal Kovatch, for a few dollars in 1995, bought the website iphone.com.  In 2005 Apple bought it from him for over a million dollars.  My father would say there is no time like the present.  Others would say why put off for tomorrow what can be done today?  There are divine opportunities all around us waiting to be grasped.  I believe God continually sets up moments to which He can seize the hearts of people so they can begin relationships with Him.  This leads to the last attitude which is look for the harvest.  In John 4:35-38 Jesus challenges us to look for the harvest.  In my back yard we have several lemon trees.  Recently, I noticed a perfectly ripe lemon had fallen on the ground.  Fortunately, it was not rotten or dirty.  But it reminded me of the importance to look for people who are ready to be harvested.  Jesus reminded us of this continually.  He was always looking for those who were lost, hurt, alone and sick.  He transformed the world and has asked us to do the same.  I pray you will experience a CT in your world.  I know I’m completely committed to see this occur in my world.

Until next time….