We live in a world that constantly tells us, “Follow your passion.” From social media to school advice, the message is: do what you love, chase your dreams, and don’t settle. While this sounds inspiring, as Christians, we need to ask: Is this what Jesus calls us to do?
Jesus never said, “Follow your dreams.” He said, “Follow Me” (Matthew 4:19) and “Seek first the Kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33). Culture tells us to put ourselves first. Jesus calls us to put God first. One path leads to personal ambition; the other leads to obedience, purpose, and eternal life.
That doesn’t mean passion is wrong. God gives us interests, talents, and dreams. But passion must be surrendered, not worshiped. When we follow passion without God, we risk chasing success over faithfulness, and feelings over truth.
Sadly, many young believers are being discipled more by culture than by Scripture. They’re told that discovering their passion is the same as finding their purpose but that’s backwards. True purpose starts with knowing God and obeying Him.
When we give our desires to God, He often aligns them with His calling. A passion for music, for example, might be used for fame—or, when surrendered, for worship, ministry, and mission. The question isn’t, “What excites me most?” but “Lord, how can You use what You’ve given me for Your glory?”
Look at Eric Liddell, the Olympic runner. He said, “God made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.” Yet he chose to skip an Olympic race because it conflicted with his faith, and later left sports to become a missionary in China. His passion wasn’t his master Christ was.
God is not against your passion but He must come before it. When you put Him first, He shapes your desires and uses your gifts for something far greater than personal success.
So let your passion be refined by prayer, guided by Scripture, and led by the Holy Spirit. If it aligns with God’s will, it will bear lasting fruit. If it doesn’t, be willing to lay it down.
Because in the end, the greatest joy isn’t found in following your passion. It’s found in following Christ wherever He leads.
