Three Keys to Maintaining Passion for Ministry

There’s nothing quite like the clean slate of a new year.

On January 1, we’re filled with optimistic passion for our newly-set goals, and we often have a renewed desire to be specifically used of God.

But then January 13 rolls around. Or maybe for you it’s March 3. In any case, the passion of the new year doesn’t always last. We need something greater than new year energy to keep us consistently motivated in the areas of responsibility and opportunity that God has placed in front of us.

Godly passion always begins with the Who, not the why. This is what Paul expressed as he said, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).

Godly passion always begins with the Who, not the why. Share on X

Thankfully, maintaining this passion isn’t beyond our reach and is actually the result of some basic spiritual disciplines.

1. Do all for the glory of God.

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.—1 Corinthians 10:31

This is so basic, that we easily give it mental assent without actually practicing it. But when we purposefully do every action of our lives for God’s glory, it adds value and meaning to even the mundane or routine.

Do you want to renew your passion for what is on your to-do list today? For the goals God laid on your heart at the beginning of the year? Purpose to do them—not for self-glory or the joy of accomplishment—but for the glory of God.

2. Give thanks for the gift of each day.

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.—Psalm 118:24

One of the best ways to refuel your energy is to pause and give thanks. And one of the best times to do it is right when you wake up in the morning.

When you give God thanks for the gift of a new day, it clarifies your perspective and renews your desire to give that day back to Him in service.

When you give God thanks for the gift of a new day, it clarifies your perspective and renews your desire to give that day back to Him in service. Share on X

3. Remember to disengage.

God made our minds and bodies to work in a twenty-four-hour, seven-day rhythm. If we never rest, we demand an energy of ourselves—physically, mentally, emotionally—that God never intended for us to exert without having replenishment.

It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.—Psalm 127:2

But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:—Exodus 20:10

We’re not under the Sabbath law, and there are times in all of our lives and ministry responsibilities when we miss optimal times for rest. During those times, we rely on the extra measure of strength God gives.

But if we proudly think we don’t need rest, we will eventually run out of passion. When we spend time waiting on God in His presence and replenishing our physical and mental needs for rest, God refills our passion.

If we proudly think we don’t need rest, we will eventually run out of passion. When we spend time in God's presence, He refills our passion. Share on X

Even Jesus told His disciples they needed to come apart for rest: “And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat” (Mark 6:31). In that particular instance, the crowd followed them, and they didn’t get the rest they planned. But the intention of Christ here is still instructive to us.

The capacity for passion is a gift of God to us. It allows us to anticipate and enjoy what we do for Christ. But our passion doesn’t remain static. Like a gas tank, it must be filled in order to fuel our progress.

Passion doesn’t remain static. Like a gas tank, it must be filled in order to fuel our progress. Share on X

Does your passion need to be refueled?