Have You Lost Your Intensity?
July 24th, 2007 | Michael Q. Pink
Intensity.
There’s something about intensity that generates results like nothing else. I watched a documentary yesterday on the life of Keith Green. Talk about intense! His passion was a consuming fire! His music moved a generation of young Christians in the early eighties. And I was stirred, just watching.
Where does intensity come from and what happens when you have it? Well, first of all, it’s highly contagious and anyone with any contact with you will catch your intensity. If they don’t appreciate your intensity, it will drive them away, but others, many others will be drawn to it. Therefore, make it about the right things.
Until you value intensity or as some call it, passion, you will never have it. You may be moved by it in others, but you will never be possessed by it, consumed by it, animated by it. You will never benefit from it directly, nor will others be benefited by the potential of it in you.
Think about this… How long does it take to weld a bridge using a candle versus a blowtorch? Which are you? Have you lost your intensity lately? It happens. It’s time to relight the blowtorch. It’s time to ignite the passion, the intensity for what you are doing with your life. It’s time to ignite the passion for your product or service if you are in business. And always, it’s time to keep your intensity strong for the Lord.
As they say, I would rather burn out than rust out. How about you?
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July 24th, 2007 at 8:15 am
I was fortunate enough to be able to spend a little bit of time with Keith Green. Intensity is an understatement. His passion for God and His people was highly infectious. It was one of the huge turning points in my life.
You mentioned watching a documentary on Keith’s life. Where can I get that?
July 24th, 2007 at 8:40 am
“Burn out or rust out”—either way you are OUT.
True intensity would be allowing Christ to live through you in His power.
Jo. 5:15
July 24th, 2007 at 8:46 am
Great text on intensity - and Keith Green is a perfect example. What’s the next step though - how do you get this intensity and better yet, keep it? Especially when everyone around you ISN’T intense?
July 24th, 2007 at 8:58 am
I believe intensity is related to your understanding and focus on your life purpose, then followed by the same focus on your mission and vision.
“If you don’t get tired doing what your doing, you are not working hard. If you get tired OF doing what your doing- perhaps it is not in line with your true life purpose or you may have lost sight of that purpose.
July 24th, 2007 at 9:30 am
AND SOMETIMES THAT INTENSITY CAN BE DIMINISHED BY NOT JUST THE HASSLES OF LIFE, BUT THE SAPPING OF OUR STRENGTH THROUGH THE WRONG MEDIA WE PUT OURSELVES IN FRONT OF. WE DO HAVE TO GUARD OUR HEARTS!
July 24th, 2007 at 11:01 am
How do you get back that intensity?
July 24th, 2007 at 12:44 pm
Inspiring thanks
July 24th, 2007 at 5:39 pm
Hi William… I thought someone might comment about my burnout statement. It was a figure of speech more than a literal statement. You understand what I mean, I trust. Blessings.
July 24th, 2007 at 5:39 pm
Steve;
Great question and one worthy of an upcoming blog. Stay tuned.
July 24th, 2007 at 5:52 pm
Michael:
I had no doubt about your perspective on the “burn out or rust out” and I knew what you meant, I just thought it might help someone who might not see it the way you and I do. thanks for you insights, they are always stimulating
July 24th, 2007 at 7:46 pm
Steve:
The story is broken up into seven different viewings on YouTube. Once you load up the first one YouTube will then offer you the next in line. It’s a little confusing but anyone computer savvy should figure it out. Here’s the link for the first one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6hOyx8LF4I.
Hope it helps.
July 25th, 2007 at 8:56 am
Many years ago I read “No Compromise” by Melody Green, which was her biography of her late husband. I have never been the same. Not only did it bring the music he created to life in a whole new way, but reading it also stirred my heart toward God like few experiences before or since. I haven’t yet seen the documentary you’ve referenced here, Michael, but from reading the book about him, “intensity” may be understating the level of his passion and commitment! If anyone feels like their own intensity may have waned, it’s certainly possible to fuel your fires with Keith’s music and his life story.
May the Holy Spirit ignite all of our hearts to burn for King and Kingdom!
July 31st, 2007 at 8:54 am
Michael,
What counsel would you give a guy who is 52yrs old, committed to God and intentional in living His principles, married to one wife 22yrs, in business, (sales & management), had life coaching, is focused on balancing his life with work, worship, rest, & play, investing in family (wife and 4 children 19,18,15,5) was involved in an evangelistic ministry in the early years of his life, then was involved in business with a company for 18 yrs, left (because the business was dying), and has now been floundering for the last 5 years with reigniting passions and where to invest my work life. (I have done consulting during this time and have consistently provided a good income for my family, and am back in sales presently…my income has not diminished, but my passion wanes)…I wonder if I will truely find a connection to “work” related purpose for my remaining years. Strange to be in this position…never thought I’d be here in my thought life! Maybe mid-life crisis striking!!!
July 31st, 2007 at 9:44 am
Greg;
You are floundering in part I suspect because you are doing what you are good at, but not necessarily what ignites your heart. For example, I am good at sales, but I would be unhappy now starting over in a copier sales job. I need more meaning now that I have proven myself in that arena. I too do consulting, but have drastically cut back due to connecting with something that fulfills my calling while tapping my skills. It might be something for you to consider…
It’s called SeedAmerica and we are raising an endowment for a new breed of business college. Definitely Biblical, but also highly practical. No room for professional academicians! The financial rewards for the team members are substantial and the fulfillment in creating something very exciting that will impact this generation and those to come is over the top. Check out… http://seedamerica.com/job-opportunities.php and let me know if you want more info. I will direct you to the VP of Acquisitions who has more opportunities developing than currently listed on the site.
Blessings,
Michael
July 31st, 2007 at 8:34 pm
Michael,
I invested some time this evening perusing the site.
I’m interested to discover if there are opportunities in mid-southern region of the U.S.
Thank you,
Greg
July 31st, 2007 at 8:45 pm
Greg;
Contact Steve Shelby at SeedAmerica. He is the VP of Acquisitions. The office number is 678-762-1737. Steve will want to see your resume as well. You can email him at steveshelby@seedamerica.com I am certain he will welcome your contact. The target start date is October 1 fyi. Blessings.
August 15th, 2007 at 10:35 am
Michael,
I’m a passionate person but seem to have lost some focus and not sure what to re-focus on. There are many things I’ve tried but I tend to loose interest quickly - maybe that is a sign that I’m not focused on what really I’m passionate about. Any insight into how a find my passion again?
Thanks.
August 16th, 2007 at 9:06 am
Robert,
There is a ministry called Your One Degree. It specifically addresses men discovering their true passions and being focused on what truly energizes them. I know the founder personally. He has an amazing dedication and passion to see men like us discover our true design in order to have maximum impact for the kindgom . Check out his website at www.youronedegree.com.
August 16th, 2007 at 10:57 am
Thanks Steve. I am already looking at the site. Much apprciated.