One of the great things about my calling as a pastor is I get to meet lots of folks. I have the privilege of walking with them through the joys and pains of life. Ministry is founded on relationships.
A complex aspect of my calling is many people I come into contact with desire something from me. Now, that is not bad. God has given us gifts, talents, and resources to help others with. Where things go awry is when people expect me to take up their cause or passion.
I have limitless opportunities to help people each week in my community and even around the world. There is no shortage of causes, concerns, or ministries to devote time and resources to.
I believe many people forget one important spiritual principle: your passion cannot be my burden.
What I mean is that God has given each of us certain assignments here on earth. Your passion is a key to that assignment. But not everyone has that same passion. Our job is to find those with like-minded passions and join together to fulfill that assignment. But one thing we have to keep in mind is that not everyone we come across will have that same passion.
God has given me a certain assignment. While your passion may be good and kingdom-centered, if it does not align with my passion and calling, I am doing you and me a disservice if I try to take that on. It won't work. And it will lead to frustration and burnout.
So, don't be offended when others pass on your passion. It is not personal, and it doesn't mean your cause or ministry isn't worthwhile. What it does mean is that person simply is not called to it.
Keep pursuing. Keep casting your vision. Those God has placed a similar calling on will come alongside you. And those are the people you want anyway.
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