I cannot quit thinking about a conversation with James in my office one day. He had pastored several churches and owned two seminary degrees, but at the moment was “between churches.” As the director of missions, I was the denominational go-to guy to help him find a church. At least, in his thinking I was.
“I have to preach, Joe!” he said, growing excited. “It’s in my blood! I’m passionate about preaching.”
I knew that about him, and therefore used that moment to make a point.
“Jim, that might be the problem, my friend.”
“What do you mean?”
“Preaching should not be your passion. Jesus should be your passion.”
Give him credit. Jim took that like a man. In fact, he settled back down in his chair and, after a moment, said, “Wow. Thank you for that. You are so right.”
So, what is your passion? And how does it compare with your passion for Jesus?
Joe McKeever
