MONDAY MOTIVATION

MONDAY MOTIVATION

PASSION VS PURPOSE

In 1789, a young British politician stood before Parliament and delivered a speech that would help change the course of history. His name was William Wilberforce.

At just 29 years old, Wilberforce had already built a promising political career. He was intelligent, respected, and well-connected. His future in politics was bright, but something had begun to trouble him.

At the time, Britain was deeply involved in the transatlantic slave trade. Thousands of men, women, and children were being taken from their homes in Africa, forced onto ships, and sold into slavery. Wilberforce became convinced that he had a responsibility to help end this terrible injustice.

Taking on the slave trade meant standing against powerful financial and political interests and challenging an accepted practice of his time. It meant risking his reputation, his career, and his future. Despite those risks, Wilberforce committed himself to the cause.

For nearly two decades, he fought to end the slave trade, facing opposition, criticism, political setbacks, and repeated disappointment. His efforts were defeated year after year, but he refused to give up. Finally, in 1807, Britain passed legislation abolishing the British slave trade. Wilberforce continued working against slavery, and in 1833, shortly before his death, Parliament passed legislation to abolish slavery across most of the British Empire.

The turning point in Wilberforce’s life came when he discovered a purpose greater than his personal ambitions. Before taking on the slave trade, his interests centered on politics, socializing, and personal success. He enjoyed being popular, influential, and successful. Following a life-changing spiritual experience, however, his priorities began to change. He discovered something to which he could dedicate his life.

His talents didn’t change. The reason he used them did.

Wilberforce’s story teaches us an important lesson about the difference between passion and purpose. Passion is what excites us. It is what we enjoy doing and what gives us energy. Purpose goes deeper. It is the reason behind what we do and the meaning we give to our lives.

Passion is what you love to do. Purpose is why it matters that you do it.

Most of us can explain what we do. We can describe our jobs, our responsibilities, our interests, and our goals. Yet we don’t always take the time to consider why we do them. We get so busy making a living that we sometimes forget to think about what makes life worth living.

There is a big difference between having a full schedule and having a meaningful life. We can spend our days chasing success, recognition, and happiness, yet still feel that something is missing. Being busy doesn’t necessarily mean we’re making a difference, and being successful doesn’t always mean we’re fulfilled.

Passion asks, “What makes me happy?” Purpose asks, “What makes my life meaningful?”

One focuses on what we get out of life. The other challenges us to think about what we give. Wilberforce had the talent and opportunity to enjoy a successful political career. What changed his life was deciding to use those gifts for something greater than himself.

That decision didn’t make his life easier. In many ways, it made his life harder. He faced years of frustration, opposition, and defeat. Yet he kept going because he believed the cause was worth the struggle.

Passion may get you started, but purpose gives you a reason to keep going.

The real power comes when the things we enjoy doing connect with something that truly matters. Our work becomes more than a way to earn a living. Our talents become more than a way to get ahead. Even ordinary responsibilities take on greater meaning when we understand the difference our efforts can make.

Purpose is why we get up in the morning. And knowing that purpose, will provide you passion.

Think about that for a moment. There is nothing wrong with wanting success, enjoying life, or pursuing the things that make us happy. Those are good things. The problem comes when we make them the only things.

A meaningful life isn’t measured only by what we accomplish, what we earn, or how much recognition we receive. It is also measured by the people we help, the lives we touch, and the difference we make along the way.

Wilberforce didn’t have to change his talents to change his life. He simply found a greater reason to use them. The same can be true for us.

So, what gets you up in the morning?

Don’t spend another day simply going through the motions, checking things off a list, or waiting for something better to come along. Do something today that matters beyond yourself; find your purpose.

Don’t just get up to face another day. Get up with a reason to make that day count.

-Dan Summerlin