Keeping the passion alive

For many Christians the initial passion for kingdom living eventually dies down (sometimes even goes out.) Why?

I believe that the central issue is that we forget that it is Jesus who 'ignites the kingdom fire within us, a fire within us, the Holy Spirit within us' (Matthew 3:11 The Message). We come to believe that our Christian life will be sustained by conforming to the churches programs, by attending, and serving, and trying hard to act like a Christian is supposed to behave. And we end up frustrated, weary, discouraged, burnt out, and full of doubt. Because we have forgotten the source of our 'life' and passion and fire - Jesus.

If I want to stay spiritually alive and passsionate - I must keep encountering Jesus regularly and stay connected to him. That is the ONE thing necessary (Mary at Jesus feet! Luke 10:42) - our encounter and close connection to Jesus. No matter what else is going on!

As a church leader, my greatest work (and most productive work) is to keep people encountering and connected to Jesus - he is the source of life, change, passion, and power - not me, not the 'church' not the programs, sermons, worship, or ministries. Jesus - the great igniter!