Enthusiasm and passion have much in common. Each projects zeal for accomplishing a particular objective. The Apostle Paul modeled for us exuberance for sharing the gospel with everyone. His letters written to young churches are filled with Christian doctrine while they remind us to practice self-restraint and sound judgment.
St. Paul's encounter with Jesus became his mountaintop, peak experience. It changed his identity, his name and purpose for living. The fire ignited in his soul constrained him from ever turning back to his former lifestyle. Samson, however, acknowledged God saved him from a dishonorable death, but he would not permit God to transform his values and behavior.
While visiting the town of Gaza, he responded to a prostitute’s enticing appeal. His weak moral and spiritual values were no match for his powerful, lustful cravings. If your passions are a detriment to your relationship with Christ Jesus, he stands at your heart’s door waiting to redeem and empower you.
Your words and your deeds bring life to everyone, including
me, [Lord]. Please make me healthy and strong again. It was for my own good that
I had such hard times. But your love protected me from doom in the deep pit,
and you turned your eyes away from my sins.
~Isaiah 38:16-17 Contemporary English Version
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