Are You Burning?

I have been teaching a study group on 1 Corinthians. It has been a great, but challenging study. Today we studied chapter 9. At the end of the chapter Paul talks about his passion for preaching the gospel

24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run R354 in such a way that you may win. 25 Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air.

I am constantly struck by Paul's passion and commitment to the task he was called to. Earlier in the verse he say he would rather die than stop what he is doing. As I read those words I am challenged as to my passion. Most days it feels like I am going through the motions with very little fire or passion. I live my life but it feels like I am missing something. It feels like I am just surviving.

A few weeks ago I viewed the new Pixar movie called Wall-E. In the movie there is a scene where the people have evacuated earth because it has become unable to sustain life. After several years of living in the safety of there space home wall-e discovers that there is proof that life once again exists on earth. The captain of the ship is filled with hope because they can return to earth once again. However there are other forces on the ship that want to stop the ship from returning. The pivotal scene takes place where the captain is told that they need to stay on the ship so they can survive. The captain says "I don't want to survive, I want to live". That line echoed so deeply in my heart and reflects the truth Paul proclaims in 1 Corinthians. Paul lived his life in a way that could lead to pain, imprisonment and death. He lived with reckless passion with little concern for his personal safety or well being. Paul did not play it safe. He wanted his life to matter, he wanted to live not survive.

The question that you and I must wrestle with, is the question of passion. Are we living our life with fire, with passion, with reckless abandon? Are we, like Paul, running to win? If I am not careful, I can easily settle into comfort and habit. I like predictability and uniformity. I like knowing what to expect from myself and others. I can survive very easily like this. However, what I discover is that within a very short time I feel bored and empty. Surviving is not how our life was meant to be lived. We were made for purpose, for passion, for life. How are you living you life? Are you surviving or are you living? Are you running to win or are you OK with just showing up? I am wrestling with myself to find that place of passion. Am I OK with just settling or do I want to step out and run? Passion and fire are OK to talk about, but the truth of the matter is they can also create friction and pain. If you follow passion, it's not always comfortable or easy. You will be stretched, challenged and moved. But in the end if you follow the passion God has put into your heart you will find yourself in the midst of a place of amazing life and joy. So what's it going to be, survive or live? The only person stopping you from following your passion is you.

Think about it!

Peace
Ralph