We’re often told to follow our passions, which usually translates into simply doing whatever brings us the most excitement and energy. While there’s some truth here, understanding the true cost of passion is usually not considered. And this leads us to quickly abandon our so-called passions as soon as things get hard.
The English word passion comes from the Latin passio, meaning “to suffer” or “to endure.” This is why the passion of Christ speaks to his suffering leading up to his death on the cross. Passion in this historical sense was not about our enthusiasm per se, but rather our willingness to endure suffering.
Perhaps as boys it was okay to do whatever we felt like doing. But as mature men in God’s kingdom, the question is now: What are we willing to suffer for?
To be sure, every decision comes with a cost. We cannot avoid suffering. But are we suffering for what matters – for truth, for goodness, for beauty? Will we endure when working out is no longer fun, our marriage feels dry, God seems distant, or the weight of our calling brings more burden than blessing?
Passion is revealed through our willingness to keep showing up even when it hurts. We’re taking up our cross and following the example of Christ. The joy set before us is love. And we’re willing to do whatever it takes to embody this love in and through our lives. When excitement fades and the nights are long, we carry on.
What we’re willing to suffer for reveals the true devotion of our hearts. And our priorities of love are rightly questioned when we’re not willing to pay the price for what matters.
The world tells you to pursue excitement. But Christ invites you to find what’s worth dying for. What are you currently suffering for?
