Passion or activity

Yesterday I was part of a group who were talking about passion. The concern was why more people aren't passionate about God, the gospel and reaching the lost. It got me thinking how sometimes we confuse passion with activity. I suspect that some of the group who are active within the church setup may feel that others who aren't as visible in activity are not as passionate.

To give up 'ordinary' work in order to give more time to church activity or outreach is very commendable but not necessarily more passionate than someone who is either not in a position to do this or doesn't feel that God is asking him/her to serve in this way.

God also gives passion for different aspects of His work, some more visible than others. Those who are passionate about prayer and intercession are not always seen and may appear to be inactive but they are the ones who break down the strongholds in the spiritual realm. No amount of busyness in projects will do this. Jesus Himself said that some people could only be helped through prayer and fasting. It is also important to have this passion in place before we begin to put our plans into action.

I know that leaders of my local church agree with me on this but it did make me wonder just how often church generally confuses passion with activity and busyness in church projects.