While reading a magazine at a dentist’s office in Paris, Philippe Petit became engrossed in an article about the Twin Towers in New York. As an 18-year old street performer, Petit was constantly on the lookout for venues for his high wire balancing acts. Studying an artist’s rendition of the World Trade Centre, Petit came up with a vision of walking a tightrope between the two towers.
Over the next six years, Petit focused exclusively on his seemingly preposterous dream. He collected any information he could find on the architecture of the Twin Towers, practiced his high wire act endlessly, and saved money for a flight to America. Upon arrival to the United States, he wasted no time in scouting the World Trade Centre. Under a variety of guises, Petit and friends surveyed the towers. On a Tuesday night, Petit and company ascended the towers with equipment in tow. Using a bow and arrow, they fired a line from the north to south tower, and spent the remainder of the evening feverishly rigging a one-inch steel cable between the towers. Early Wednesday morning, with the bustle of Wall Street having just begun, Petit mounted the high wire to perform. As amazed onlookers marvelled at the sight, local authorities gathered to apprehend the illegal tightrope walker. As a consummate showman, Petit focused on his act, refusing to be swayed by policemen shouting at him to stop. After eight trips back and forth between the tower, Petit finally turned himself in.
Petit could have let distractions dissuade him from his dream. Raising money for the scheme, eluding security to scout the towers, and stretching a cable between the skyscrapers all seemed like impossible tasks. However, the magnitude of Petits passion to accomplish his vision dwarfed the obstacles to his plan.
People are wired so that when their souls ignite, they no longer shrink before the barriers in front of them. A passionate person conceives of possibilities and opportunities whereas dispassionate persons only see roadblocks and reasons against progress
Just as passion or a lack thereof in our natural lives impacts our relationships, lifestyle, work ethic and future goals so too the same applies to our spiritual lives.Christianity without passion is like marriage without love – going through the process but not enjoying the relationship – existing in the relationship but not living in the fullness of what it is meant to bring.People are wired so that when their souls ignite, they no longer shrink before the barriers in front of them. A passionate person conceives of possibilities and opportunities whereas dispassionate persons only see roadblocks and reasons against progress
Jesus said in John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing”.
For the Christian to remain in Jesus, fruitful in a lifelong relationship with him despite the challenges of life, requires passion. Passion for:
A greater personal connection with God
- Fruitfulness comes through connection with God
- Connection is a two way relationship
- Relate to God how you want him to relate to you
- A genuine love and concern for people
- Determine to connect with people you don’t know well
- Genuinely care for others, especially those within the church
- Ask God for divine appointments each day with people
- Treat others with respect and honour
- The church that Christ loves
- Value gathering together as the body of Christ and go with a heart open to give & receive
- Honour God with your finances in supporting the ministries of the church
- Serve willingly in the church
- Treat God’s house with the respect it deserves An opinion is something you will argue about; a conviction (passion) is something you will die for -- Passion makes the impossible possible.