Passion For A Purpose
 By: Tyger Tuff Lyons

The world is currently engaged in an epic struggle between two vastly opposing ideologies. The brutal philosophy of Islam has arisen as the greatest threat to freedom since Nazi Germany, and has enlisted the allegiance of young generations across the globe. With gloom, we watch the images of armed Muslim youths marching brazenly through the streets of Africa, the Middle East, and now Europe shouting phrases such as, “Allah is great! Death to Israel! Death to America!” The radical ideology of Islam has found in its youth a fanatical, militant, and fearsome following.


While young generations of Muslims are literally killing themselves for their religion, the American church has, for the most part, seen little in the way of dedication or even enthusiasm among its young people. The American church has spared no expense to entice the youth to Jesus: the funnest games, the newest movies, the coolest parties, the loudest music, etc. Yet most youth groups have trouble drawing a crowd big enough to fill a telephone booth. Why such a distinction?

The answer is simple. Young people are desperately searching for a purpose; a cause worthy of their lives. They have a God-given passion to live for something greater than themselves—something worth dying for. Such is the reason why gangs and terror groups have such a pull towards young people. They offer the semblance of purpose, but in truth have none. True Christianity is the embodiment of purpose, yet religion gives it the semblance of emptiness that searching hearts despise.

True Christianity is to live as Jesus lived; to walk in complete obedience to almighty God, even to the cross. The American church has presented a cross-less Christianity, and has thereby cheapened the Gospel of Christ to the point where it is seen as little more than a novelty—a hollow façade with no inner substance. They have preached to generations saying, “Come to Jesus, and he will give you success. Come to Jesus, and he will give you comfort. Come to Jesus, and he will give you healing.” While all those statements are certainly true, they lack one point: to come to Jesus, you must submit to the cross, and the cross is painful. The Apostle Paul said it best. “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me…” (Galatians 2:20 KJV)

It has been said that the greatest altar call that can be given is, “Come to Jesus…and suffer.” With true purpose comes great suffering. Young people are crying out to the church saying, “We’re tired of this cookies-and-Kool-Aide gospel you’re giving us! We want something real!” Listen to them, and they’ll tell you, “Give me a purpose, and I’ll give you my life.”


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