Passion is contagious. Passion will have more of an impact than personality. There is something compelling about leaders who love what they do and do what they love. A leader like this has the power to ignite enthusiasm and dedication in scores of others with whom he has contact. Life is too short to be boring or mediocre. I am one who has always respected, admired, and looked up to leaders with contagious and infectious passion.
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I lived in Colorado Springs from 1984 to 1988 and had the privilege of knowing Bill Retts. At the time, Bill was in his mid-80s. He had more passion and enthusiasm than any person I ever met. Bill took me under his wing and became my mentor during the time we were in Toastmasters together. He modeled passion and taught me how to speak and live with a passion that came from deep within.
At 80, Bill continued putting together presentations and traveling around the world, speaking, teaching, and mentoring younger men like me. Passion oozed from every pore in his excited, positive, energetic body. He loved the Lord, he loved his work, and he loved people. He was excited and delighted to be alive, and it was obvious to everybody. I thank the Lord for bringing Bill Retts into my life.
I love to be around people of passion. Most people do. I am not talking about a phony enthusiasm and hype that is manufactured to sell things or persuade people to get on board with a novel idea. I'm referring to a genuine joy that flows from a leader in love with Jesus Christ, one who has a compelling purpose that ignites a deep inner passion.
I recall hearing about two pastors who were discussing their theological positions when one said to the other, "Well, it appears to me that we basically believe the same things."
The other responded, "Yes, but the difference is that you have it on ice and we have it on fire."
Source: Christianity Today | Building Church Leaders
Dave Kraft served with the Navigators for 38 years and is now leadership development pastor at Mars Hill Church in Seattle.
