I’ve been noticing that the word passion is being used a lot lately in our culture.
Passion was the theme of the 2006 Turin winter Olympics.
A TV listing states that Beyonce is Oprah’s guest and the topic is her newfound passion. (I didn’t watch so I can’t tell you what her new passion is.)
And feminist author Gail Sheehy has written a new book titled Sex and the Seasoned Woman. These women, 50 and older, move confidently and with purpose. In the last third of their lives they initiate divorces, take lovers, and, according to Sheehy, “They’re pursuing the passionate life. I’m always hearing women in their 40s and 50s say they’re searching for a dream…something meaningful or creative, a real passion,” she says.
Sheehy cites a woman she met (uptight after two divorces) who is now taking tango lessons in Buenos Aires and has a Latin gigolo on the side. “You know when you’re in the presence of women who have a passion for life,” she continues. “They’re magnetic and alive. They throw off positive vibes.”
Sheehy doesn’t speak for me, girls. Sheehy has taken God’s prescription for passion and purpose and twisted it. According to this misguided soul the passionate life consists of crumbling marriages, fornication and self-absorption.
No thanks.
Want a meaningful life? God says to lose your life for His cause and Kingdom and then you’ll really find it.
Want life at its richest and fullest? Surround yourself with women who love the Lord and are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Immerse yourself within the Body of Christ and you’ll find plenty of magnetism and excitement. Believers in the Lord are the most alive people I know! These women (and men) have a passion for life because the Lord Jesus IS life! Alleluia—Praise ye the Lord!
Want passion? Authentic passion? God says to love the Lord your God with your whole heart, mind, soul and strength. Draw close to God and He promises He’ll draw close to you (James 4:8).
Sheehy further describes herself as “…the fire starter, and the light passes around and becomes really heated.” Excuse me, Ms. Sheehy, but the original fire starter is the Holy Spirit. Now He’s the real deal.
Sheehy and her followers continue to search for something meaningful because they haven’t yet found Him! In the meantime, until they can “count all things as rubbish, that I may gain Christ” (Philippians 3: 8-9) they settle for passion that's utterly corrupt and counterfeit.
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