---

A calm and peaceful and tranquil heart is life and heath to the body, But passion and envy are like rottenness to the bones – Proverbs 14:30

---

Love does not envy. Envy rottens the heart. Can you imagine a rotten bone? That’s how an envious heart feels – it keeps on rotting. The spirit of envy destroys the heart from within.

There is a difference between a purpose and a passion. Purpose is goal-oriented. It works like an arrow; it does not give up, it’s focused and precise, especially when it comes from God. Can you imagine, God making a mistake? I can not. God is perfect, precise, always on time, unstoppable. That is how God-given purpose works. I penetrates and makes way. When we are in the will of God, we have peace. We know and feel and understand that we are on the right path. A calm and peaceful mind assures that we are moving in the right direction.

Passion, on the other hand, is unstable. It comes and it goes. We might be passionate about art, but passion alone can not make us artists. Passion burns, it gives energy, it lifts up, it’s intoxicating but is goes away as quickly as it comes. Peace can put the fire away, making passion inactive.

The fire and zeal of God can not be put away. You either love God or you don’t. So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart (2 Timothy 2:22 ESV). Other translations say evil desires and youthful lusts. To flee means to run away from it. This is a strong warning against passion. The lust of the flesh is an enemy to God.

---

Father, we come before you to ask for forgiveness for the times we have been led by youthful passions. Let the rod of your righteousness protect us from the deception that comes from the enemy. In Jesus Christ’s name, amen. Thank you, Holy Spirit.

---