Chris Anderson‘s “Lost Lessons and Preserved Passions” is exactly right. Since the gospel of Jesus the Messiah is central, it must be central in our passions.
Carson wrote a communion hymn entitled “A Shocking Thing” that includes these convicting words:
A shocking thing, this, that we should forget
The Savior who gave up his life—
To turn from the cross, indifferent, and let
Our minds veer toward self-love and strife.
This Table, this rite, is habit—and yet
Christ’s words pierce our shame like a knife:
While breaking the bread, the Lord Jesus said,
“Do this in remembrance of me.”
Enamored with power, surrounded by praise
We set out ecclesial plans.
Efficiency hums, and we spend our days
Defending, promoting our stands.
Techniques multiply, our structures amaze—
The gospel slips out of our hands.
I agree wholeheartedly with the heart of this (and Chris’s) post. The only thing I would be careful of is using the word “passion” to describe where the gospel should be central.
Historically in theological discussion (i.e. Edwards, C. S. Lewis, etc.) “passions” has referred to base, bestial impulses, while “affections” referred to the higher, more noble emotions — that which drives us to do what is right.
So I would earnestly agree — the gospel must be central in our affections!
Thanks, Scott. I’m aware of that. Perhaps I should have clarified that I was using the word “passion” according to one of its modern uses: “an intense enthusiasm for something” (Concise Oxford English Dictionary).