I have recently become a huge fan of podcasts. I've found that I can learn a lot in that 20-minute drive to school or work by choosing to forgo the tunes for a bit. I wanted to share one of my favorites that I've recently stumbled upon. It offers an encouraging perspective on what purpose is, and it really makes you think. This can be found on Spotify as well as in the link below.
The title of this podcast is "Passion, Purpose, and Designer Jeans," given by Louie Giglio. It is a recorded portion of what is known as "Passion," which is a conference held in Atlanta for college students. This podcast focuses on incredibly relevant things going on in my own life and I'm sure many of yours. This is especially relevant to those going through a changing period in their life. I am graduating this April, and with that has come the frequent “what are you going to do?” questions.
Trying to form an answer to that has been stressful, to say the least, and the truth is, I don’t know. With constant input from other people telling me what is the smartest, wisest, or most life fulfilling thing to do, it’s a hard decision to make. On the flip side, this transition has created all the more reason to lean on the Lord and focus in on what He says.
This podcast is built around Colossians 3:17 which says “and whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him”. While I've heard messages about this verse before, Louie offers a unique look and interpretation which I had not previously heard.
Louie explains how God uses your passions. You don’t need to be a worship leader, or a pastor to serve Jesus. Hence the designer jeans portion of the title. While he will absolutely use you for his plan if that is what you choose to do, Louie explains how you should not feel ashamed if you want to do other things.
He gives examples of how you could be a business leader, a teacher, architect, a filmmaker, or a clothing designer with a heart for Jesus, and He will use you just as much. What he emphasizes, even more, is to do nothing half-heartedly. Every passion, talent, and gift you’ve been given, you must use it.
Louie seeks to minimize the gap between the secular and the sacred world. He aims to change the idea that the sacred people are the only ones who work for God. In reality, we are all sons and daughters of Christ, with the same mission, to glorify Him in all that we do.
He is careful to note that it is essential to not let your passion become your purpose. The moment you let your passion become your purpose, your identity and very foundation is on rocky ground. But if your passion has a greater purpose, and that purpose outlives your passion, then your life will last beyond time. That's a lot of words I know, but if you focus on that, it makes sense.
Designer jeans will not last forever, neither will architecture, but the Lord is constant. If He is your purpose, you will achieve far more than you could ever imagine. Make Jesus your purpose, and base your passion on serving Him. He promises to bless that and use you for something great.
Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Listen to Passion, Purpose, and Designer Jeans on Spotify!