Passion and then some . . .

I just started reading Uprising by Erwin McManus and felt the need to write about passion. He hit on a bunch of things that I have at some point talked about or at least thought of. It has long been witnessed in my life that so many people live without passion. So many people are just merely existing, just trying to get by from one day to the next. God desires so much more of us than to simply exist, He has come that we might have life and that it would be one that is abundant!!! Life as McManus puts it is supposed to be an "adventure, a journey, a trek filled with uncertainty, excitement, and risk". Where is the excitement and adventure in just existing? We are called to live!! We are created for passion! Instead, "we've made acting like an adult synonymous with living apathetic lives"!! I get so frustrated at times sharing the things I'm passionate about and then people just going "that's nice". I think we fear passion in our culture, because it may require some sort of transformation or to move in a different direction. As Christians, we are called to be a little counter-cultural any ways. Not in the sense that we are to attack the culture we're in (which is too often the response of Christians), but instead radically seek to understand it with Christ's love as the model (remember Christ didn't come to condemn the world, but to save it, He did this through LOVE!!). I think other than the ultimate display of passion of Christ on the cross, the most beautiful display of passion is in watching a child explore their world. They are so fascinated and try to take all of it in. I believe it is why it says that to "enter His kingdom we must come as little children". We are to be passionate, full of awe, and wonder!! Each day is a gift from God, and holds with it endless possibilities. It is in that we can not only find passion, but freedom. The freedom I'm talking about is one that only God can give. It is a freedom that comes from from a life lived passionately in Him. We are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds!! To live with passion we must be constantly being renewed!! I hope to never to the point where I lose my awe and wonder for God, and for the life He has for me. I pray that if you're reading this you would come desire that passion in your own life. Remember to make the most of each day!! Love without limit, forgive, be merciful, be generous, be compassionate, take risks, sacrifice, enjoy yourself, and surely you will live!!!