Where Passion Meets Purpose

By Doug Franklin July 13, 2017

I can remember attending my church’s missions’ conference as a high school student. Intelligent, persuasive, and dynamic speakers told countless stories about the adventure of serving overseas, and while I found their stories meaningful and incredibly valuable to the Kingdom, I remember that I got in my parents’ car and prayed, “Lord, please send my brother to Africa.”

That wasn’t me.

It wasn’t what I wanted to do.

I later learned that it wasn’t what I was created to do.

God doesn’t do anything by accident. He has a purpose for every aspect of our lives, from our personalities to our families. Even the passions that he has given us are intentional. Simply put, passion is what you love to do. It’s what motivates you and inspires you. It’s what drives you and energizes you.

“We work best within our passions; our passions allow us to reach our fullest potential.”

I’m passionate about the discipleship of students. I feel closest to God when I’m sitting in a circle of students, teaching them how to use a prayer journal or a new Bible study method. I feel God’s pleasure when I’m in that circle; in that moment, I know that He is pleased with me. My wife is passionate about building and creating; you would be amazed at how she can transform something that she’s found on the side of the road! God placed both of these passions within us for our joy and for the good of the Kingdom.

I’ve discovered that when you choose to work within your passions you will work and lead in ways you never thought possible. We work best within our passions; our passions allow us to reach our fullest potential. But so many people are living outside of their passions for one reason or another. Think with me, how many Christians hate what they are doing and are still looking for the joy-filled life that the Bible describes? When we work and live outside of our passions, we are unlikely to experience the joy of doing what God intended us to do.

Passion is God’s gift to you, and it comes with a purpose. Please understand that it’s critical for you and your adult volunteers to discover what you’re passionate about. Until we recognize how God has wired us, we will devote much time and energy to becoming something that God did not plan for us. Consider using the Sweet Spot as a discovery tool for both you and your adult volunteers.

Your passions will motivate you to keep going when you feel like you’d rather quit, and as you discover your passions you will have a clearer picture of the overall mission that God has called you to. You may or may not be called to Africa, but you are certainly called to a life of great joy doing what God has created you to do.