Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Philippians 2:3-4)

Pastor asked us last week, "How do you create a passion for souls" in the church? That's an interesting question even from the perspective of creating a passion. Are you passionate about sharing good news because doing so may ensure the Spirit's work to bring that person successfully to faith and then eternal life?

Did you know, according to Gallup, that maybe 35 percent of the staff in any workplace is fully engaged? 35%. You've experienced it when you've been in a business and said, "Man, don't bend over backwards to help me out today." What is workplace engagement? Simply put, it's being "in the moment." You intentionally seek ways to improve the space you occupy. In a thriving organization, leadership engages staff to intentionally improve the customer, client, or student experience. We have to find our purpose and passion and tap into that at all times in our lives, including our work.

Paul talks about it among believers in Philippians - we are passionate because we know the cause is greater than any one of us. We are passionate because of the love of Christ that binds us and drives us. We are passionate because that same love for us and the grace it extends should be shared with others, so they, too, may come to know the love of Christ. "...but also to the interest of others." Paul is clear. It's not just about ourselves. In Christ, we are about more than just ourselves.

The mission of Hope Lutheran starts out with a simple phrase: "Living Christ's Greater Purpose...." Part of finding that passion is finding a greater purpose beyond ourselves.

We pray that we constantly engage and seek those who don't know Christ to share that good news with them. We pray for our leaders as they remind us in prayer and God's Word in sermon of our commitment to that passion for finding the lost and sharing the good news.

Archive Devotion from Oct 22, 2020 - edited from the original version