A Magnificent Obsession

I've been watching cheesy success-story movies and a lot of videos of really talented people on youtube lately, and they have done nothing for me except leave me semi-depressed. I love watching people who are really good at what they do, but I started to wish that I was that good at something, or that I was passionate enough about something to become that talented. And then my Mom pointed out what I was too movie-blinded to recognize; My something is Jesus.

The one thing in my life that I am willing to sacrifice everything for is Jesus. The one thing that affects every choice I make is Jesus. Just like the people in the movies who want to be dancers and singers and ice skaters, I want to be like Jesus with the very core of my being. And if I really am like the movie characters, I won't stop and I won't give up.

I think Paul said it best:
"I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you." Phillipians 3:12-15

But how often as Christians do we give up? How often do you, like me, forget your passion because it isn't as visible as an athlete's or an artist's? I constantly have to be reminded of what I am working towards. Yet if we only open our eyes, the evidence of Christ and his calling on our lives is all around us. And like every athlete has a good coach, we have other believers to commend and recognize out progress, and to critique us when it is needed.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:1-3

We as Christ's church have a calling to be like Jesus. That is our one thing. Will you train with me? Run with me? Are you ready to put everything on the line to follow Christ?

Let this be our prayer, taken from a worship song we sing a lot:

Give me one pure and holy passion
Give me one magnificent obsession
Give me one glorious ambition for my life
To know and follow hard after You