The Passion of God's People

Paul's focus as a minister of Jesus is nicely summed up in Colossians 1:28, "Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. The reason that Paul proclaimed, warned, and taught people about Jesus and God's Word was so that they would become mature Christians- fully grown and initiated in the ways of God. Paul had a passion to help his fellow Christ-followers grow into the person whom God had chosen them to be - a passion to which any godly Pastor alive today can relate, and one which they will encourage their congregations to embrace.

We Christians aren't supposed to stay "baby" Christians and never contribute to the "building" of God's Kingdom- much of which can happen outside of the four walls of the modern-day church. While it is appropriate to minister to our siblings in the Lord, believers who are willing to go out and live what they believe and trust God to bring about the results on HIS timing, are going to experience a sense of fulfillment and purpose that only comes with the understanding that what they are doing is going to have an eternal impact . What joy it brings to the Lord when we believers function as a loving, unified family, encouraging one another to reach the lost. When we reach out to others with the intent of extending and inspiring Holy Spirit motivated - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control - God's power is gong to be on our lives. And when believers are reaching out to one another in this way - especially within the four walls of the church (as opposed to competing and moving in arrogance and / or self-seeking) it brings out everyone's best and encourages an atmosphere of rich fellowship permeated with the vast joy and peace of God's unboundless presence.

How empty and stagnate our Christianity would be if we didn't have a growing passion for a deeper relationship with Jesus, God's Word, and a desire to reach out to those around us. And as we continually embrace God's Word and apply it to our lives, He's going to guide us into opportunities in which we get to make an everlasting difference.