What is “passion”? The word is used often and typically
has the idea of an intense love or desire for something. In the sports world I think
of the players that are driven to go the extra mile… those that push through
discomfort/pain to achieve their goals.
The obvious thoughts are to think of the professionals we
hear of that maintain insane workouts to get bigger, stronger, faster, better…
I think of the quote I read years ago from Smokin’ Joe Frazier: “Champions aren’t
made in the ring, they’re merely recognized there. What you cheat on in the early
light of morning will show up in the ring under the bright lights.” Smokin’ Joe
was talking about the willingness to sacrifice comfort in order to reach one’s
goals…
Yet I also think of guys like Pukin’ Jon Sperling who
would work so hard when running lines in our basketball practices that he would
eventually just run on our the backdoor of the gym to “empty” his belly… and
then run right back in for more. Jon wasn’t the best player on the team but believed
his team deserved his best!
And of course, today, Memorial Day, we honor those that
were willing to sacrifice their lives… not under bright lights and glamour… not
for fame… but in the trenches… for honor… for duty… to present a better future.
I think of the Apostles that were willing to suffer
hardships, even to the point of martyrdom because of their passion for the
Savior! They believed serving Jesus was worth it… why?... because of the extent
Jesus went to serve them!
As we honor those that go beyond the call… remember that
Jesus went “to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians
2:8) God is passionate about us, proved by becoming human and sacrificing for
us!
I remind you of this basic Christian truth to remind each
of you: Our salvation is because of what He has done for us… it is only “reasonable”
that we “present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto Him!”
(Romans 12:1) Let’s be passionate about serving Him!!!
