The “Passion” in “passion flower” refers to the passion of Jesus in Christian theology.
When I was a fairly new Christian, someone compared my walk with Christ with a two-year-old walking hand-in-hand with her father and continually trying to pull away to do her own thing. Not very flattering, but unfortunately it was–and sometimes still is–very true.
A few weeks ago I was reading in my Oswald Chambers devotional and he spoke of us wanting to be “poured out like drink offerings.” I began to pray the Scripture, as I often do, but something or someone stopped me and had me consider. Did I want to be poured out like a drink offering? To me the question cut deeply, as it meant making a commitment to always saying yes to His will, and I realized I want to retain the right to say no on a case-by-case basis. Hmmm.
This morning I was reading in my Andrew Murray devotional and it spoke of the battle that is waged within us between wanting to follow our will AND follow His. A battle of our pride against God. Am I willing to give up my own priorities to put the lovely, gracious, and always pure priorities of God before mine?
Walking to school this morning, I passed the passion flowers that grow on our lane. It dawned on me in a new way that the crucifixion was a passionate, extravagant act of love and grace of Jesus for me. (And you.) Why would I ever want to put my will before His?
But even if I am poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. Phil. 2:17
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