Week of Spiritual Emphasis – Opening Message
The Week of Spiritual Emphasis at the Northern Zambia Union Conference opened with a deeply reflective message titled Spirit-Driven Passion, presented by Dr Pardon Mwansa. His message called believers to examine the urgency of life, the condition of God’s work, and the spiritual burden that should move every follower of Christ to meaningful action.
A Sobering Reminder: Life Is Short
The message began with a personal reflection. Revisiting a church he once pastored, the speaker was struck by how much time had passed. Many of the elders who once laboured faithfully were no longer alive. Their absence brought a sobering realisation—life is brief, and none of us will remain here forever.
This awareness, he emphasised, should awaken in us a renewed commitment to serve God while time remains. If nothing else motivates devotion, the certainty of life’s brevity should.
A Heart That Breaks for God’s Work
The message turned to the example of Nehemiah, who, upon hearing of Jerusalem’s broken walls and distressed people, responded with deep anguish:
“When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.” (Nehemiah 1:4)
Nehemiah did not ignore the crisis. He allowed God’s work to take hold of his heart profoundly. His grief led him to prayer, fasting, and ultimately decisive action.
This sequence reveals a spiritual principle: when God burdens the heart, passion is born—and passion leads to action.
Understanding True Passion
Passion, in its spiritual sense, is more than enthusiasm. It is a God-given burden that compels movement and perseverance. True passion:
- Captures the mind and shapes priorities
- Directs decisions and life choices
- Pushes beyond comfort and convenience
- Sustains faithfulness through hardship
Nehemiah’s passion was clear—to restore what was broken for God’s glory.
Passion Demonstrated in History
To illustrate the power of passion, the message referenced notable figures whose convictions shaped history:
- Nelson Mandela endured 27 years in prison, sustained by his commitment to justice and equality. His cause outweighed his suffering.
- Marie Curie overcame social barriers and immense personal sacrifice in her pursuit of scientific discovery, ultimately earning two Nobel Prizes.
In each case, passion empowered endurance. When a cause is greater than comfort, sacrifice becomes possible.
The Spiritual Question for Every Believer
The central challenge of the message was deeply personal:
What is your passion for God’s kingdom?
Each day presents competing agendas:
- Personal desires and distractions
- God’s divine purpose
Discerning God’s agenda requires intentional seeking—through prayer, fasting, and communion with Him. Passion for God’s work is not accidental; it is cultivated through relationship with Him.
The speaker shared his own testimony of developing a passion in youth to proclaim the soon return of Christ. That conviction shaped his education, career, and ministry direction, guiding his decisions across decades.
Living for a Greater Kingdom
Believers are reminded that their ultimate allegiance is not to this world but to the eternal kingdom of Jesus Christ. The church still faces “broken walls”—spiritual needs, hurting communities, and an unfinished mission.
The critical question is not whether there is work to be done.
The question is whether the condition of God’s work truly moves our hearts.
When God stirs the heart, the response is unmistakable:
- Prayer becomes earnest
- Fasting becomes purposeful
- Service becomes active
- Perseverance becomes natural
A Call to Spirit-Driven Living
The message concluded with a personal appeal for reflection:
- What burden has God placed on your heart?
- What sacrifice are you willing to make for His kingdom?
- What gives your life spiritual urgency and purpose?
Life passes quickly. Many who once laboured beside us have already completed their journey. Before our own time comes, we are called to live intentionally—with devotion, conviction, and unwavering commitment to God’s work.
May we become people who pray deeply, love sincerely, and serve faithfully—driven not by convenience, but by the Spirit of God—until Christ returns.