passions

[deerhunter1224]

Each of us has passions in life. For example mine are hunting and farming. The bible says we cant serve to masters. With out passions where is to far? or even can we have passions?

[Chuck7]

Aother great question Fred...and you are so correct. As a beliver grows in Christ God even convicts and causes us to examine every little thing that we have allowed in our lives to make sure it's not an idol and that 's it's ok..

Just lately I simply ask the question..Will this thing help my faith or hinder my faith..Here are some things lately I've dealt with.

1.Hunting...helps me..walking through a dark swamp causes me to rely on God..and finding a deer in tha thuge place does as well.

2. Drinking ...doesn't really do anything to help my faith..bad witness and we are to live soberly...drinking is out the door.

3, Hunting on Sunday...bad witness ..not putting God first.When we put hunting abouve God hunting becomes an idol.

4. Over eatting..convicted and is my biggest battle..it's not even funny..this is where the rubber meets the road. I edited because of this post..the Lord showed me the "Way of escape" for this stronghold..Thankyou Jesus!!!

5. TV...most shows make a mockery of sin and we are not to fellowship with such or their philosophies..a "Little leaven leavens the whole lump."

I pretty much watch news..judge Judyand sports.

6. In respect for the females here I'll keep this next thought generic...anything in the marriage that is not of faith leave it out of the marriage..this probably brings more trouble than all of the rest. Treat your spouse in a way that will build her faith not leave her feeling like a s l u t. Enough said on that.

7. In dealing with others on the job or neighborhood...are you gathering or scattering. Are you serving or being served?

Thanks Fred...great post as usual.
C7

[Ought_Six]

Almost anything can be taken too far. Too much love for your gun collection. Too much pride in your house. Too much time caressing your truck. Too much television. Too much time on your computer. Too much booze. Too much food on your plate.

There is a saying a friend of mine is fond of...it goes soemthing like this ...

"Moderation in all things, including moderation"

[manuman]

Just to add to what has already been said----passions are from God. He is the giver of life,and James tells us that every good and perfect gift comes from God, and a passion, in and of itself is a good thing. The problem comes with letting a passion become an obsession. Inspite of Mossy Oak's claim, I love to hunt,but it is not an obsession. When anything becomes an obsession, then we have stepped over the line.Jesus said inMatthew to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all of these things --including passions--will be added unto you. He is the gift Giver, and He simply wants us to never place the gift above the Giver.That, I believe is when a passion--a good thing--becomes an obsession--not a good thing.