As I read the description of the last days in I Timothy 4 and II Timothy 3, I feel as though I am experiencing and living in the scenarios described in this passage. I also see the entire world against Israel with even the United States changing its attitude toward God's chosen people. In the midst of this very dim and depressing situation, I ask "Where is the passion of God's people?" Furthermore if God's people have passion, "what are they passionate about?"

We must remember that as Christians we only live in this world and that we are not part of it. Our citizenship is in heaven. We are strangers and pilgrims just passing through. We do not look to the governments of this world for our provision but to the God of Heaven. God's people in our churches, Christian educational institutions, mission agencies, etc., should demonstrate passion about several things. Passion involves "ardent love, boundless enthusiasm, fervor, fire, zeal." (Answers.com). Someone has said that passion is a consuming zeal. I think all of those describe exactly what I am talking about.

I would suggest that we need passion for personal holiness. How is this accomplished - through a daily cleansing, daily quiet time, being consumed with Him, daily death to self and self-interests, daily walk with Christ, being in awe of Him and His holiness. In order to be effective and usable as Christians, every Christian must pursue and practice personal holiness and reject ungodliness and worldliness.

I would suggest that we need passion for prayer.  Prayer is about allowing God to change us not about changing God's mind. Prayer involves praise, confession, and asking. We are admonished to "pray without ceasing."

I would suggest that we need passion for Bible study. The Bible is God's revelation. It is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction. If the Bible is God-breathed and is profitable, we should immerse ourselves in its content.

I would suggest that we need passion for souls. Do we believe Romans 1-3? All men without Christ are dead in their trespasses and sins and cannot find God apart from the gospel. Mankind can look at nature and see God, but they cannot be saved without the presentation of the gospel. Why do we share the gospel and have a passion to share the gospel with every creature - it is because God commands it and we are to be obedient. We must love souls and have a burden for the world.

I would suggest that we need passion for faith living. Faith living is living by faith, trusting God, taking God at His word, realizing if anything is accomplished it will be God that accomplishes it. Abraham believed God and it was counted to him for righteousness. He believed against hope. Look at the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11. By faith, by faith, by faith - how many times is this stated in Hebrews 11? We need to be totally shut-up to faith.

Are these not fundamental skills or behaviors that a Bible college or Christian college should desire for all of the students and graduates? Should we not want to instill these behaviors and passions in our students? However, this assumes then that the administration, faculty, and staff demonstrate passion for personal holiness, prayer, Bible study. souls, and faith living. Let me conclude by asking - Where is our passion and What are we passionate about? Do we have ardent love and consuming zeal for the things of God?

A good Bible college education stresses passion for these things!