Throughout the history of the world, God’s used a lot of unlikely people in ways only He could have orchestrated.
Do you think God looks more for people who are passionate about something, or skilled in something? Or both?
I’d love to hear your thoughts and examples…I’ll post mine in a couple of days.
Have a great Sunday!
Comments
11 responses to “Passion, Skills…or both?”
I can’t be taught passion but I can be taught a skill.
a friend of mine said something once thats stuck with me..
“God doesn’t call the equipped. He equips the called.”
I think God desires our hearts desires to desire Him above everything and be willing to do whatever is needed at the moment to honor and glorify Him. whether it is something that He has gifted us with so that we can in turn use it in different situations. or the times when we know nothing about what we feel He is calling us to, and we still dive in with both feet.
: )
love you.
i think He’s mostly looking for someone who is willing to follow, regardless of skills or passion…
on a side note, in my adult life, i’ve rarely been motivated to learn a new skill (or further develop a previously learned skill) if it was in an area where i wasn’t passionate. (for example, in high school, i took classes i wasn’t crazy about trying to impress colleges so i could take courses i’d enjoy more, but i wouldn’t be so inclined to do that now.) and i’ve often found it hard to feel passion (back to the contrived passion thing) for areas where i feel less skilled. (for example, i’ve often steered clear of anything athletic.) sometimes i wonder if that’s just submitting to natural wiring or if it’s pride, wanting to offer only that which makes me look good or feel good.
Well, i would, but unfortunately, i have SCHOOL! If it werent for stupid school and money, then i would go.
Have you read “Through painted deserts” by Donald Miller??
Oh my, you should definetely read it before you go to scotland!
My prayers go out to you and Chris on that trip, I hope God will teach you more than you could ever hope for!
And i think he uses neither more. Look at moses for instance. he was content with being a shepherd and not going back to egypt. he wasnt good at speaking either. but he also uses the passionate – look at King David. And skill – look at the apostle Paul – he was brilliant! He uses all of them, which makes him that much more extraordinary of a God! He uses averages joes to do things that require what they dont have!
OH MY GOSH I HAVE TO EMAIL YOU IN LIKE 2 MINUTES SO WAIT FOR IT.
Anne,
This is a question that I have explored for some time. As a churchplanter this question is always forefront in your mind. I like to use biblical characters to illustrate.
I believe the right answer is obedience bar none. Passion can be misunderstood at times and skills are never a sole factor in God’s appointments. Nehemiah would be a great place to start. Yes, Nehi had skills but how does one migrate from the King’s personal assistant to a construction project manager. Passion did connect Nehi with God’s plan for the rebuilding of the wall.
The book of Judges is an awesome resource here. None of them were properly qualified to do the job, earthly speaking. You have a woman leading the nation, the son of a prostitute, etc. These were not political appointees.
David was not a soldier before he killed goliath but he became a military leader because of it. He had the passion within that made him a warrior. His passion was for the heart of God.
Because I understand your definition of passion then I say yes to passion and no to skills. But, when we have passion the skills will come. They may not be PC skills but God will equip with that which is necessary to get His job done.
Remember, the eyes of the Lord are searching for a heart sold out to Him.
I’m confused. (Mostly with trying to follow the previous comments.)
In answer to your question I think God definitely uses both though not exclusively. The best I think is when passion leads to skills and you get the best of both worlds.
I think that God gives people certain passions, and he gives people certain skills. sometimes the go together (ie, megan. she can sing so beautifully and she absolutely loves to sing.) some times you are given one and not the other. (ie, william hung. loves to sing, but the man just stinks at it) He gave us our passions and gifts for a reason, and he will use us where we will be the best at advancing his kingdom. Sometimes i think he just needs someone passionate enough to get the ball rolling on things, and then those really talented will know where to use their skill.
i don’t know, that’s why i’m not God! : )
tracy
I promise I will respond to this soon…
I love the thoughts you guys have shared…
It has been a week of migraine goodness…
So I am planning on getting my favorite shot today…
And hopefully I will be too happy to notice my head is screaming.
i didnt know that there was such a thing as a “spiritual gifts” test…
so no. I havent taken one yet.
muahahaaaa