The word that best describes John the Baptist is "passion." John's passion began even before his birth. He leapt in the womb when Mary spoke of her pregnancy with Jesus (Luke 1:41). His passion for God was so great that, before he began his public ministry, he lived alone in the wilderness. There he clothed himself with camel's hair and a leather belt, and ate locusts and wild honey (Matthew 3:4). He was a radical, and he was not afraid to let everyone know it.
John needed passion in order to fulfill his God-given calling. Every pioneer needs passion. Pioneers cannot be satisfied with mere management, because they have nothing yet to manage. They create things out of nothing. People often see them as eccentrics, but their passion attracts other pioneers.
What gave John his passion?
- He spent time in solitude.
Before John began his public ministry, he lived in the wilderness and spent much time with God. The presence of God was so alive in him that he could hardly stay still.
- He lived for his mission.
John knew Jesus' identity and his soon arrival. So he tried by every means to prepare the way for him.
- He had a kind of magnetic temperament.
John's voice is described as crying out (Luke 3:4) and as admonishing (3:18). Like a magnet, his manner repelled some and drew others.
- He had a strong sense of justice.
When people asked John what they should do, he told them to practice righteousness (Luke 3:10-14). This hunger for justice drove him. He could not sit still until he finally saw results.
- He saw things in black and white.
Like others with prophetic gifts, John saw most issues as either black or white. That sounds narrow-minded to most leaders or businesspeople. But it is one reason why John was so full of passion.
- He was dissatisfied with anything he was not doing.
John was a man of action. He did not want people to merely talk about repentance and faith. He told the Pharisees they should bear fruit to prove their repentance.
How can passion be developed?
Passion is the prerequisite for effective leadership. So how can leaders develop their passion?
- Find out how strong the fire burns inside you.
Get an honest assessment from your colleagues and coworkers. Do you have passion for what you do? Because you cannot ignite a fire in your organization if it is not burning in you first.
- Return to your first love.
Many leaders get knocked off course by life. Think back to the day when you began with passion. What drove you then? What excited you in that season?
- Connect with passionate people.
Birds of a feather flock together. Hot coals stay hot when they remain in the fire. Find passionate people and spend time with them, so that their passion rubs off on you.