Is your passion creating or sabotaging your success? (94-5)
Leaders need passion to succeed. When a leader is passionate it increases their willpower, changes them to a powerful force, makes the impossible possible and generates the energy to make the first steps toward achievement of their goals. Passion itself is neutral but a leader’s application of their passion generates results that are either positive or negative. Read 2 Samuel 13.
David’s son Absalom had passion. There was great potential for Absalom’s passion to make him a great leader in Israel; unfortunately he became a leader remembered in history only as a maverick. Absalom’s passion for justice led him to murder his half brother for raping his sister; his passion for results led him to burn his cousin Joab’s field to force Joab to get him an audience with his own father King David; his passion for fair application of the laws led him to sabotage his father’s leadership as king of Israel.
We can learn several things about passion from Absalom:
- Passion will find expression and an outlet.
- Passion without perspective sends a leader into action even if their actions are outside the laws of the land or outside the laws of God.
- People will follow leaders with passion even when that leader is taking them in an unhealthy direction.
- Self-centered passion will skew the judgment of a leader.
- Undisciplined, selfish, unbridled passion damages everyone near it.
- When passion outweighs wisdom, leaders sabotage their own chances for success.
Godly leaders learn how to bridle their passion so they can be submissive to authority, unselfish, accountable, and allow their passion to pour from a pure heart.
Romans 12:11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Galatians 4:18 It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always and not just when I am with you.
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