Answer the Call of Passion
About a week ago I asked God to reveal to me my calling. I have heard people say that when the call is received, you cannot deny it or misinterpret it. However, this has not been the case for me. So, I asked father to clarify my situation for I seek to serve him according to his will and not mine. For about a week I have been sitting on my hands waiting for the answer. And now I think I have received it. Please understand that I have not attempted to try to figure out an answer or search for what I would like to be my calling. This answer came in the form of three separate events that then gave me clarity on realizing that he has answered me.
Anonymous
5/9/20244 min read
About a week ago I asked God to reveal to me my calling. I have heard people say that when the call is received, you cannot deny it or misinterpret it. However, this has not been the case for me. So, I asked Father to clarify my situation for I seek to serve Him according to His will and not mine. For about a week I have been sitting on my hands waiting for the answer. And now I think I have received it. Please understand that I have not attempted to try to figure out an answer or search for what I would like to be my calling. This answer came in the form of three separate events that then gave me clarity on realizing that He has answered me.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary (MWD) defines passion in the following way: 1. A strong feeling of enthusiasm or excitement for something or about doing something; 2. An emotion that is deeply stirring or ungovernable; 3. An object of desire or deep interest; 4. Often used to specifically denote sexual attraction or emotion; 5. This can encompass a broader range of emotional expressions beyond just love or desire.
The bible defines passion in three different forms, spiritual zeal, suffering, and earthly desires. Spiritual Zeal and suffering are the two ways we need to understand and act upon while doing our best not to indulge onto the earthly desires.
Spiritual Zeal: is a fervent, intense desire to serve God or pursue spiritual goals.
Galatians 1:14, I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
Suffering: is the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
This is found in the events at the Garden of Gethsemane in Mathew 26:36-46, Mark 14:32-42, and Luke 22:39-46. The scouring and crucifixion in Matthew 27:26-50, Mark 15:15-37, Luke 23:24-46, and John 19:1-30. And the sacrificial aspect in John 10:11-18, Hebrews 9:11-28
Earthly Desires: are overpowering emotions and desires that can lead to sin if not controlled.
Galatians 5:19-21 - 19 The actions that are produced by selfish motives are obvious, since they include sexual immorality, moral corruption, doing whatever feels good, 20 idolatry, drug use and casting spells, hate, fighting, obsession, losing your temper, competitive opposition, conflict, selfishness, group rivalry, 21 jealousy, drunkenness, partying, and other things like that. I warn you as I have already warned you, that those who do these kinds of things won’t inherit God’s kingdom.
Colossians 3:5 - 5 So put to death the parts of your life that belong to the earth, such as sexual immorality, moral corruption, lust, evil desire, and greed (which is idolatry).
1 John 2:15-17 - 15 Don’t love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in them. 16 Everything that is in the world—the craving for whatever the body feels, the craving for whatever the eyes see and the arrogant pride in one’s possessions—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world and its cravings are passing away, but the person who does the will of God remains forever.
James 1:14-15 - 14 Everyone is tempted by their own cravings; they are lured away and enticed by them. 15 Once those cravings conceive, they give birth to sin; and when sin grows up, it gives birth to death.
Romans 13:14 - 14 Instead, dress yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ, and don’t plan to indulge your selfish desires.
Say No To Yourself
Deny yourself desires by putting aside selfish interests, earthly desires, and even personal ambitions to prioritize following Jesus. It is about letting go of what we want or perceive we need in favor of what Jesus calls us to do by living according to His teachings and commands.
Individuals who have received a calling to spread the gospel fall under the Spiritual Zeal. However, those of us whom have not received this type of calling fall under the sacrifice calling for which is addressed in:
Take Up Your Cross Daily
Mathew 16:24, Mark 8:34, Luke 9:23 and Luke 14:27: Which says “All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow me. And whoever doesn’t carry their own cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.”
The cross represents suffering, sacrifice, and the burdens one might bear as a follower of Christ. In Jesus’ time the cross was a symbol of death and extreme humiliation, primarily used for the worst criminals. Thus to “take up your cross daily” means to be willing to endure persecution, hardship, and daily challenges for the sake of being His disciple. The addition of “daily” emphasizes that this isn’t a one-time decision but a continuous, daily commitment.
These passages summarize how we go about the calling of sacrifice for which in Galatians 6:2 says, 2 Carry each other’s burdens and so you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Follow Him
A straightforward command to follow Jesus’ teachings, example, and way of life. It’s an active, ongoing process of learning from Him, being shaped by His teachings, and walking in His footsteps, regardless of where that leads. So, take up the cross and be willing to endure hardship, persecution, and self-sacrifice as part of the commitment to follow Jesus. In return you reflect on the ultimate sacrifice Jesus Himself made on the cross.
In essence Jesus is calling you to follow a life of profound transformation and commitment. This isn’t merely about belief in Him but involves a radical reorientation of one’s life and priorities. Discipleship, as Jesus describes, is a journey marked by ongoing sacrifice, learning, and growth, driven by love for Him and for others. It’s a call to live not for oneself but for Christ and His Kingdom.
It is time for you to follow His example and embrace whatever difficulties you face in your spiritual journey.
Will you answer the call of sacrifice?