How Your Passion Fuels Others

The 19th Century poet and professor William Herbert Carruth, paid this tribute to a teacher named Mark Hopkins.

Mark Hopkins sat on one end of a log
And a farm boy sat on the other.
Mark Hopkins came as a pedagogue
And taught as an elder brother.

The poem continues with this significant insight.

I don’t care what Mark Hopkins taught,
If his Latin was small and his Greek was naught,
For the farm boy he thought, thought he,
All through the lecture time and quiz,
“The kind of a man I mean to be
Is the kind of a man Mark Hopkins is.”

Let the record show that the farm boy on the other end of the log was none other than James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States. Garfield later said, “I was merely a student at Williams College until I came under the influence of Mark Hopkins.”

On another occasion Garfield opined. “The ideal college is Mark Hopkins on one end of a log and a student on the other.”

Carruth’s poem and Garfield quotes underscore the value of character, commitment, and how passion can make a difference in the life of another person. From a spiritual perspective, consider these 3 ways your zeal impacts other.

#1 By Your Example

When people see us put our profession into practice, as we live out faith day to day, it makes a difference. Our example in discipleship, ministry, fellowship, worship and evangelistic outreach challenges other Christians to do the same.

Letting our light shine, not only glorifies God, as Jesus said in His famous Mountain Message, but it also serves as an inspiration and influence for those who see your good works. Albert Schweitzer putting it even more pointedly when he said, “Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing.”

#2 By Collective Participation in the Church Family.

Regarding their generous benevolence, Paul said the zeal of the Corinthian Church had stirred the hearts and the zeal of most Christians in Macedonia (2 Cor. 9:2).

It’s correctly observed that God called us not just to believe, but to belong. To belong to a family. To a brotherhood of Believers. To a community of fellow Christians. Our participation in the local church serves to edify and build up the Body. Our zeal may well inspire someone who’s struggling, doubting, or becoming complacent. Or it may provide direction for a new Christian who’s just beginning their walk with Christ.

The writer of Hebrews says our very association in the assembly is a means of encouragement and way to stimulate one another to deeper love and greater ministry (Heb. 10:24-25).

#3 By Perseverance in Trials

Joni Eareckson Tada is an American author, artist, and disability advocate. At age 17, she suffered a life-altering accident when she dove into the Chesapeake Bay and fractured her neck, becoming a quadriplegic.

In spite of her disability, Joni has married, authored 60 books, founded a ministry, hosts a radio show, and speaks at numerous events. Her passion and courage has impacted and inspired millions world-wide with her resilience and faith.

On a smaller stage and probably to a lesser extent, we’ve seen many Christians labor through difficult situations. Physical ailments, debilitating injuries, personal loss, financial setbacks, and family heartbreak, may serve as an unintended blessing to others who see your faith, are inspired by your courage, and are motivated by your continued spiritual passion in spite of the circumstances.

As Joni wrote in her autobiography, “The deeper the pain, the louder your life speaks. People watch how you respond to suffering, and your endurance is often the clearest message of hope they’ll ever hear.”

Thus, the inspired writer James could offer this insight. “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (Jas. 1:2-4)

John Wesley was right when he quipped, “Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come for miles to watch you burn.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman