Passion is not enough
Movies and books often depict passion as the be all and end all in successful (romantic) relationships, dream-chasing and all around living. But what does it mean that passion is not enough? We look to Amos 5:18-24 where we learn firsthand from the lives of the Israelites of that time, that passion, hope and worship for God was truly not enough.
Hope is not enough (verses 18-20)
Amos, a minor prophet in the Old Testament wrote a letter to the Israelites, the Book of Amos, as a rebuke for the Israelites and their unholy acts. Acts that made them no different to the gentile nations around them, which we know is not the life that God called them to live (Deuteronomy 14:2). In chapter five, we know that the Israelites look forward to the Day of the Lord (otherwise known as the end of times) where the saviour would come and save them from foreign rule and oppression; this is where their hope lies. Yet their hope is extinguished by Amos who speaking on behalf of God, declares that the Israelites should be fearing that day, not looking forward to it. Again, because of the Israelite’s unholy living, God’s judgement (the same judgement that awaits all people) would be upon them. Their hope was misplaced.
Worship is not enough (verses 21-23)
In verses 21-23, Amos quotes God’s hate for the Israelite’s offering and rituals. While offerings like burnt offerings and grain offerings were part of God’s command to the Israelites, God wanted them to know that because of their unholy living, their offerings were displeasing to Him. Their offerings were detestable and even their worship, which God usually enjoyed (Psalm 92:1), wasn’t what He wanted. Is God being picky here? No, this is a display of God looking at the heart, not just the acts. While we can cover ourselves with outwardly “Christian” acts, God sees the state of our heart.
So, what is enough for God?
Justice and righteousness to overflow (verse 24)
God describes justice like a river, overflowing and running constantly. This is what is most pleasing to God, but what is justice and righteousness?
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Justice looks like loving God, deeply and genuinely, and loving others, whether that be your family member, friend, neighbour, acquaintances, and even those people who we might never might but whose lives we can impact positively. James 1:27 says,
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
You can look passionate for God, but if you’re living your life wickedly - deceiving, hating, taking advantage, exploiting, oppressing or bullying others - then our passionate acts are merely acts. They’re in vain and God will surely reject our worship and our lives.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you that through the Book of Amos we can know what is pleasing to you. I pray that you would show me the acts in my life that aren’t pleasing to you. Through your Holy Spirit, help me to repent and turn away from wicked living. Soften my heart for those who are in need.
In Jesus’ mighty name I pray,
Amen.