…not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God…
1 Thessalonians 4:5 NIV
Passion
The Badlands Passion Play takes place on Canada’s largest outdoor stage, the Badlands Amphitheatre, weekends in July. This epic story of faith, hope, and love portrays the life of Christ against the stunning backdrop of the ancient hills of the Canadian Badlands. What makes the Badlands Passion Play truly special is its emphasis on community and collaboration. The play features a dedicated cast and professional theatre crew who bring the story to life. Hundreds of thousands of guests have journeyed to see this production over its 30-year history.
***
As followers of Jesus, the Bible calls us to think on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. As we do, we are called to live like this too. Sadly, modern culture seldom promotes these godly values, and now and then we get a glimpse into some of the worst that is happening in our world. Those kinds of worldly activities are nothing new. The apostle Paul speaks to this in 1 Thessalonians 4:5, in speaking on how our bodies ought to be used: “…not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God…” The world tells us that passion should rule us—that desire deserves instant satisfaction. But Scripture reminds us that when we truly know God, we are no longer driven by impulse; we are led by love. Knowing God reorders what we want. It teaches us restraint not repression, but as freedom. Freedom from being mastered by urges that promise much and deliver little. Holiness, then, is not about pretending we have no desires. It is about surrendering those desires to the Lord who knows us best. The closer we walk with God, the less appealing sin becomes.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley