Properly Placed Passion!

In recognizing people are passionate about a lot of things, does it sometimes amaze us where that passion is placed and how it is expressed? We may hear a lot of talk in this world about love and yet wonder at what appears to be a lack of it; at least in its genuineness. Do people not understand what it is TO LOVE? Is that why some can refer to loving others and loving chocolate cake with the same intensity? Can one have a relationship with chocolate cake? Perhaps some say they do. However, is it not with people that meaningful relationships can and are to be developed?

John exhorted…
“(15) DO NOT LOVE THE WORLD OR THE THINGS IN THE WORLD. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (16) For all that is in the world -- the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and PRIDE IN POSSESSIONS -- is not from the Father but is from the world.” ( 1 John 2:15-16 ESV)

Someone has stated, “We too often love things and use people, when we should be using things and loving people.” [original source unknown] Do we have it mixed up? Is OUR LOVE improperly directed? Do we love “the things” or rather love to use them in expressing our passion for the lives of others?

John went out to state…
“(17) But if anyone HAS THE WORLD’S GOODS and SEES HIS BROTHER IN NEED, yet CLOSES HIS HEART AGAINST HIM, HOW DOES GOD’S LOVE ABIDE IN HIM? (18) Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” ( 1 John 3:17-18 ESV)

What we possess can and should be used as an expression of OUR LOVE for others. Things are meant to be used, not people. People are meant to be loved. If anyone is going to be used, let it be us by God to demonstrate to the world what love is truly all about. And why should we love in such a way? Because He first loved us. ( 1 John 4:19) Therefore, as the passion of Christ was for the souls of others may we share His passion as we interact with those around us.

Have a great day PROPERLY PLACING PEOPLE ABOVE POSSESSIONS!
Carl

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