“It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way.” – Proverbs 19:2
Have you ever met someone who was very passionate about something, but was just wrong?
I remember back when I was in college ministry, every year or two someone would go around to all the college ministries and try to gather them all together. They were always passionate, convinced that they know how to unify the church on that campus and ignite a revival that would change the campus forever and maybe even the world.
What they didn’t realize, is that this wasn’t a new idea and there were reasons it had never worked in the past, reasons they weren’t even aware of. It would have been one thing if they had thoughtfully examined what happened in the past and how to address the issues which prevented their vision of unity, but that’s never what happened. It was always just an idea to get everyone together, usually under at their group’s meeting, and unity would just “happen.” It didn’t.
Ignorant passion is dangerous.
In Jesus’ day, there were many zealous Jews. They were passionate about following the Law and making sure everyone else did, too. However, they, ultimately, missed the long-promised Messiah because their passion was misplaced. Paul even speaks about it.
“If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.” – Philippians 3:4-7
Following the Fools Path
Ignorant passion can lead to wasted time and resources and even making things worse or catastrophic. In the age of the Internet, it has become easier than ever to fall into the trap of ignorant passion.
We read something online which gets us excited or angry. We have to do something. There’s no time to waste! We don’t stop to consider that what we read might not be accurate. Emotion takes over and leads us to do some foolish things. All the while, a little research or a conversation with a wise person would have revealed errors in our thinking.
Passion can be good, but study, seek advice, and proceed with wisdom.
Jesus was passionate about saving us. Paul was passionate about proclaiming the Gospel. However, let’s take the time to make sure we understand the thing we are starting to feel passionate about. Let’s do some research. Take a few minutes to have a conversation with someone we respect for their wisdom.
At worst, you might end up being disappointed finding out your passion was misplaced. You might, however, save yourself from acting like a fool. You may save some time and money.
Then again, you may be right. In which case, you are now more informed and better able to actually accomplish what you feel passionate about.
Heavenly Father,
Give me a passion for what is good and true. Keep me from foolish ideas and from being misled. Make me wise and show me where I can have a good impact on people’s lives.
Amen.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Kurt
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