“Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.” (Philippians 3:6,7)
Saul of Tarsus was a man of passionate ambition. He strove to be successful. His incredible zeal caused him to rise in the ranks of his religious circle. He was fast making a name for himself. And then … he was knocked flat on his back. All the steam was taken out of his sails. He could not see to take the next step in front of him. Now he lifted his scaly eyes to heaven and asked, “Lord, what should this man do?” He began to move once again, but this time slowly and softly.
Eventually, this chastened Pharisee would regain his step and increase his speed, but this time, all his progress would be in a different direction. He would be no less passionate, no less zealous, no less ambitious; but all his drive would be toward one thing – to know Jesus Christ and to apprehend all Christ had apprehended him for. Compared to this high and holy calling, he counted all he had chased after before as dung.
Be a person of great passion – just make sure that your passion is rightly directed.