“Old” Quote, New Meaning
For about 3 years, I have had this quote stuck on my computer. It is a quote by one of my favorite pastors/authors, Francis Chan.
“Don’t let your public passion exceed your private devotion.”
I stare, actually, it stares at me every day as I hope online. Sometimes I’m so incredibly busy that I just look and go, but other times it hits me deep. Lately, it has been glaring at me.
There are a lot of things I am passionate about:
- My faith
- My family
- My friends
- Serving Others
- Sports
However, as I look at my life, sometimes my priorities get rearranged. Sometimes my public passion by far exceeds my private devotion. When I look at this list above it’s not a terrible list. However, when I don’t take time to enjoy God for who He is, it’s a problem.
You can have a successful life, business, ministry, whatever, but when it consumes you and your private devotion is not being administered too, does it really matter?
In Revelation 2, the author starts the chapter by telling the church of Ephesus how great of a ministry they have:
“I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.” (2:2,3)
This is pretty intense, right? I mean these are great words. You want to hear these words. It’s encouraging. However, the very next verse brings up a valid point:
“Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.” (2:4)
That first love is God. Duh, right? I thought so too. Then I examined my life. How many times have I wanted to have successful dreams, ministries, etc., but never really had that love for my Savior? He has to be center.
Please don’t misunderstand me, success and public passion is not a bad thing. It only becomes something we should struggle with when it overshadows our time with our Heavenly Father.
I am guilty. I am a culprit just like anyone else. I don’t pretend to be perfect or have all the answers. However, Scripture clearly states that we cannot forsake our first love.
Chan, in a recent article, asks an important question and I leave you with it:
“When is the last time you came alone before your Father just to enjoy Him?”
