Acts 20:32- And now I commend you to God [placing you in His protective, loving care] and [I commend you] to the word of His grace [the counsel and promises of His unmerited favor]. His grace is able to build you up and to give you the [rightful] inheritance among all those who are sanctified [that is, among those who are set apart for God’s purpose—all believers]. 

If we think of an example of someone passionate in the New Testament, we think of Paul. Paul was passionate about what Jesus was passionate about. Paul’s vision was first for an intimate knowledge of Jesus Christ. In Philippians 1:21 he says, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” You can’t get much more passionate than that. 

The second thing Paul was passionate about was sharing the gospel. His vision was to “testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.” (Acts 20:24). Paul had his priorities right. He wanted every Christ-follower to share his view of Christ as described so beautifully in Philippians 2:5-11. He also wanted them to spend themselves reaching the lost because of who Jesus was and what He did for us.

In the lives of Christ’s followers, there is no area where a clear and passionate vision is more crucial than in outreach, evangelism, and missions. Jesus had a deep passion for the lost, and so did Paul. However, it is common for our vision—and often our passion—to begin to wane over time.

What is causing your vision to suffer? One common challenge faced by missionaries, pastors, and Christ-followers is an ancient enemy known as acedia (ə-ˈsē-dē-ə). While it may be defined as mere apathy or boredom, acedia is essentially a spiritual malaise. It leads to restlessness, boredom, fantasizing, a fear of commitment, and ultimately despair. A passionate vision cannot thrive where acedia takes root.

I must prioritize my passion for Jesus by dedicating time to reading the Word and engaging in prayer. This practice will help prevent acedia from taking root in my heart and will maintain my focus on Christ and His mission in our world. Additionally, I should consistently ask God to inspire me with a passionate vision for reaching the lost.

Our vision must be the same as Jesus’ – He knew the consequences facing those who do not believe. If we do not have a biblical belief regarding the lostness of those without Christ, we will never have a passion for saving them.

Oswald Chambers articulated it well when he wrote, “Every Christian must engage in the essence of the incarnation; we are called to bring it into our flesh-and-blood lives and express it through our actions. Ultimately, what matters to God—and to people—is dedicated, persevering work in the unseen (2 Corinthians 4:18). The only way to live our lives without being overwhelmed is to focus on God. Ask Him to keep your spiritual eyes open to the risen Christ, and you will find it impossible for monotony to weigh you down. Continually rise above trivial thoughts and concerns. Remember Jesus’s example: ‘Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet’ (John 13:14).”

— Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, March 6th

Praise God that…  Jesus showed us how to live a passionate, selfless life through His obedience and sacrifice. Pray that…   Your vision to know Christ and share His gospel would be as passionate as the apostle Paul’s was. You would keep acedia at bay by daily reminding yourself of the truth of the gospel and by seeking God’s presence through prayer in your secret place.

It takes almighty grace to take the next step—the next step in devotion, the next step in our studies, the next step in the kitchen, the next step in our duty—when there’s nothing to inspire us and no one to cheer us on. When there’s no vision from God and no enthusiasm, when it’s just the daily routine and the trivial task, it takes almighty grace. — Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, March 6th