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.