Weekly Thought – August 22, 2023
Fred studied leaders to find common denominators. One was the power of focus and concentration. Their personalities may be different, but the presence of passion was clear in each profile.
Maximizing Achievement
Every effective leader is imbued with passion. Accomplishment is often in direct proportion to the clarity and intensity of the leader’s passion. It gives focus and vision to the organization; and provides hope in difficult times.
I like this definition: “Passion is concentrated wisdom with high energy in the pursuit of meaning.” My friend, scholar, philosopher, and theologian Dr. Ramesh Richard advises students to “decide on their passion.” “What is your first love? If you have multiple passions you will be ripped to pieces internally, resulting in a fragmented, random life.” He continues as he talks to his seminarians, “If anything other than the Lord Jesus Christ is your first love, you will fall into idolatry.” This is true for every Christ follower. Dr. Richard puts his passion this way: “To make God look good and Christ well known.”
Passion gives intensity, laser-like focus which protects us from the shallowness of mediocrity. We want to be welder’s torches, not candles on a birthday cake.
I overheard an older writer being interviewed by a young journalist. “What advice would you give me? What would you do if you were my age?” The man responded quickly, “Find something big enough to give myself to.” As I listened I thought of a missionary who exhibited tremendous executive skills in his foreign Christian work. He was noticed by a multi-national corporation developing an operation in the country where his ministry was based. They approached him about leaving to lead their new operation and were shocked when they made a lucrative financial offer and were turned down. Thinking the missionary was negotiating they kept raising the offer until they said “this is our final offer. How can you turn down such a prestigious position?” The missionary responded, “Your job is too small. I am a missionary with a commission from God.” He gave himself to something much bigger than himself.
We must ask “Is the object of our passion worthy of our commitment?” Self-sacrifice is the acid test of our passion.
I like the prayer of the old saint “O, Lord, fill my will with fire!” He was asking for passion with a receptive, expectant attitude toward God. A pure passion turns the ordinary into the extraordinary.
This week carefully consider: 1) Dr. Richard talks about identifying passion. What is mine? 2) How does my passion impact my career and family choices? 3) When did I realize the power of passion?
Words of Wisdom: “Is the object of our passion worthy of our commitment?”
Wisdom from the Word: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” (Colossians 3:23 NET Bible)