I’ve been listening to The Power of Moments, a fascinating book about what creates defining moments in our lives. One study it cites poses an intriguing question: When it comes to motivation, which is more powerful—passion or purpose?

Of course, the ideal is to have both. A person motivated by passion and purpose is a force to be reckoned with. But if you could only move one dial, which should you focus on?

The authors write:

“The outcome is clear. Purpose trumps passion. Graduation speakers take note: The best advice is not ‘Pursue your passion!’ It’s ‘Pursue your purpose.’”

Purpose outlasts passion. Passion can flare and fade, but purpose grounds and guides.

That truth reminded me of how Jesus shaped His disciples. He didn’t rally them with hype or emotional appeals. He grounded them with clarity of mission.

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” — Mark 10:45

“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” — Mark 2:17

“I did not come to judge the world, but to save it.” — John 12:47

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”
— John 14:6–7

Jesus rarely gave motivational speeches. Instead, He asked soul-piercing questions like:

“What do you want?” (John 1:38)
“Do you want to be well?” (John 5:6)
“Who is your neighbor?” (Luke 10:36)

He knew that discovering your why fuels perseverance far more than chasing temporary passion.

So, is your faith life fueled by passion or by purpose?
One burns out fast.
The other builds something eternal.

If you’re struggling to stay motivated, consider returning to your why—the greater purpose behind your daily grind.