“Maturity requires that we learn a deeper and more abiding way of desiring. . . . Passions should awaken us to a path of depth, sturdiness, and commitment, but they are not what guide us on that path. Rather than in passions, we are called to live in abiding affection.”- Kyle Strobel and John Coe
“And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”- Galatians 5:24 (ESV)
As Kyle Strobel and John Coe move on in Chapter 4 of When God Seems Distant, they discuss the difference between passions and affections. Passions, Kyle and John observe:
- burn hot and quick, but fail to light a life on fire.
- feel very powerful, but represent thin and superficial movements of our desire.
- aren’t bad in and of themselves, but they are not meant to be sought after or served.
- fail to lead to self-control or maturity, but keep a person in immaturity.
Most significantly, Kyle and John note, mature love needs to be established in and through affection. Because affections lead to integrating the whole person in self-control for a life of love. In contrast, passions fail to do so. For passions keep love in adolescence.
Therefore, the authors counsel:
“Passions do not lead to a person’s integration — uniting all aspects of ourselves to live wholehearted lives — but to disintegration. We become less united in ourselves. In other words, passion is not what leads into wisdom, self-control, or thoughtful consideration of the things of God. Rather, passions work against your mind and will, seeking to set you on fire with uncontrollable desire. A life fueled by passion does not mature a soul but leaves it in infancy.”
In conclusion, Kyle and John state, superficial passions are inadequate govern and mature a soul.
Today’s question: What Bible verses enable you to live in abiding affection? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “True affection – deep and abiding”