Evotional.com - Mark Batterson

Probably one of my most vivid memories from my entire childhood was walking out of the a movie theater in Alexandria, Minnesota after watching Star Wars as an eight year-old kid. I was in shock. I was in awe. I can't even put into words the way that movie impacted me. I'll never have another movie experience like that as long as I live. Nothing could impact me now the way the music and special effects and storyline of Star Wars impacted me then. That movie came close to being a spiritual experience for me. And for many it has. All of that is to say this. I watched the American Film Institute awards this week and saw George Lucas get the Lifetime Achievement Award. He said something that struck me since our big idea next Sunday is "pursue your passions." He said, "I'm grateful that I discovered my passion." Me too :) I know a movie like Star Wars only has entertainment value on one level. But I think it inspires imagination. I'm not suggesting that my life would be significantly devalued if George Lucas hadn't pursued his passion and Star Wars never came into existence. I just think it reveals a significant truth. At the end of the day, it is the pursuit of passion that will impact people. Millions of people have been entertained because one man pursued his passion. Add Christ to the equation and you've got a formula for success in the kingdom of God. No one was more passionate than Jesus. In fact, the final chapter of his life is called The Passion. That's why one of my core convictions is that Christ followers ought to be the most passionate people on the planet.