Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Obedience vs. Passion

I have been praying a lot this summer about my motivations of why I do things, especially in serving God. I realized that somewhere along the way I had begun to do things strictly out of "have to" instead of "want to". And I wondered why it had changed and what to do about it. I didn't want my activities to change because I knew they were the right thing for me to do, but I wanted my attitude to change toward them. My prayer has become, "Lord, change my obedience into passion!"

There is a little boy who lives down the street whose parents are involved with drugs. The whole family lives at his grandma's house, who has been my neighbor for years. This little boy and my son have become friends, and he spends a lot of time over at our house. He likes to eat supper with us, and his family is fine with that. Then the other day, I realized that he doesn't get fed lunch very often. I told him to come over at lunch time and I'd feed him lunch. (Of course, this has broken my heart.) When I was talking to my daughter about this, she said, "God is going to bless you for this, Mom."

I realized that, even though that would be great, that is not why I am doing this. I am doing this for the sole reason that I want to, and my heart would break if I didn't. It dawned on me that THIS is the attitude I need to have in all things Christ has called me to do. I don't want to do them because I "should" and God will bless me for it, but because I really want to and my heart will break if I don't. That, to me, is passion.

Lord, change my heart. Break my heart over the things that break yours. Let my obedience become passion.

15 comments:

Kelli said...

Wow, this was a wonderful post, Ruth. I am so glad that God brought this little boy into your lives for you to love and care for.
Hugs,
Kelli

Momma Roar said...

What a great post Ruth. You are doing so much for that little boy, more than you'll probably ever realize. Keep blessing that little boy.

Christy said...

You are so awesome.

That is an amazing ministry to that little boy!

I also loved your thoughts on getting back that passion...very true!!

Susan said...

God is looking out after that little boy through you!! Yes, I think we constantly need to check and monitor ourselves about our motives. I know I don't ever want anyone to do something for me because they "have" to but because they care and want to. God looks at the heart. We need to check ours often.
Great post.
Susan

Tracy said...

What an awesome testimony of God's love. That's what happens... we feel it, and want to pass it on!

Lori said...

Wow! What a wonderful thing to do. You are so sweet, kind and caring.
What a blessing you are to him.
This brought tears to my eyes.

Myrna said...

I think you are doing what God intends for all of us--To minister where we are! How wonderful for that child. He is getting love and attention that he needs and it may change his life in ways you will never know.

Kelli said...

We haven't heard the toad sing yet, but he's still out there! Do they sound like bullfrogs?
Kelli

TO BECOME said...

I loved your post. You never know what this boy will grown up to be and I am sure he will never forget you and what you are doing for Him. God bless you. connie from texas

Susie said...

What a wonderful post! Ruth, it is so good for you to have this passion for people. What a great example for your children to see.

Anonymous said...

Ruth, I think I really needed to read your post about the difference between doing something out of obedience or passion. It's an area I am trying to walk out, and your testimony and heart for the little boy blessed me.

Lyndy said...

Great post Ruth. Just think of how you are blessing that little boy. He will always remember the kindness you are showing him.

Hugs, Lyndy

Jennifer said...

I love this, just love it.

I have written that powerful request down in my prayer journal so that I am reminded of it in my 'obedient' times.

Emily said...

What a beautiful post Ruth.... The story of the boy who doesn't get fed lunch much broke my heart as well and almost made me cry! God bless you that you are serving him in such a simple but very loving way. I really like what you say about our attitudes towards the things we do - we should be passionate about doing them, not merely tolerant of them. Thank you for the reminder :)

Susan Skitt said...

Thanks for sharing your heart Ruth. You are the hands and feet of Jesus to that little one who is so precious to the Lord. Passion to do His will... it makes our Father's heart glad. In the process, we are blessed... it doesn't get better than that this side of Heaven :)