I have said it a thousand times, “A Most Powerful Question ignites your passion and reveals your purpose!”

Do I accept that pursuing what I am passionate about is essential to living a purposeful life? Could purpose be that simple, transparent and enjoyable? What if my passion was writing, or art, or horseback riding? What if my passion is football or golf?

If I never nurture what I feel passionate about, if I write it off as narcissistic or selfish, I am handicapping myself. God gives us passion, not just to experience thrills and exhilarating moments, but to ready us to pursue our role in his plan. Yet, we live in a world that preaches moderation and security.

At the same time, ironically, we idolize those who are anything but moderate. Last week, I was inspired by (and silently cheering) Tiger Woods as he climbed the hill (in obvious pain) at the 18th hole of Augusta. And, don’t let me start on the NCAA tournament. These athletes, most of whom will never get to the pros, spend their entire childhoods, college careers, thousands of practice hours and sacrifice their bodies to reach for this pinnacle.

Like many of you, I was raised on the altar of moderation and “responsible, balanced living.” But, does that prepare me to live a passionate, purposeful life? And, while I am on the subject, why do they call what Christ did, “the passion.” Maybe what I am passionate about is my path to purpose. The visceral response that accompanies my Powerful Question says YES.