Passion or Principle?

While Passion animates convictions, it must be guided by Principle if it is to lead to a constructive end. However, without Passion, Principles lay dormant.

A Principle is “a general or fundamental law…” For example, the law of gravity is an undisputed law.

Passion is a strong feeling. It involves the emotions.

Note: Passion must always be guided by Principle.

Consider the following: passion or principle?

Abraham’s faith journey (Genesis 12:1-5): principle.

Moses strikes the rock when God instructed him to speak to it (Numbers 20:2-13): passion.

Joseph refuses to give in to the advances made by Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39:1-9): principle.

David’s bold stand against Goliath: passion and principle based on covenant.

Jonah’s attitude towards the people of Nineveh (Jonah 3:1-10): passion.

Jesus’ sense of consistency: principle.

Jesus drives out the moneychangers from the temple: passion and principle.

Peter promises Jesus he would never deny him: passion.

Jerusalem cries “Hosanna” to Jesus. Then they cry, “Crucify him”: passion.

Peter’s flip-flop stance on eating with the Gentile Christians (Galatians 2:11-21): passion.

Paul’s rebuking Peter as a result of the inconsistency: passion and principle.

Paul’s attitude towards John Mark (Acts15: 36-41): passion and principle.

Barnabas’ action towards John Mark: mercy and principle.

Paul’s press for the upward call (Philippians 3:12-17): passion and principle based on understanding.

Principle:

When passion is not properly guided by principle, the result is inconsistency.