One day, my someone asked him why he didn’t join the pro bass tour. He could have made a very lucrative career doing what he loved. He answered (paraphrase) “Why would I want to mess up what I love. If I get paid, it becomes work.”

I think this happens to many people. When the paycheck becomes the focus, the passion wanes. I’ve seen it happen too many times in ministry. People who once volunteered at every opportunity lose that passion once it becomes their job. Maybe it is because the volunteers we serve alongside see their service as an outlet away from their job. We, on the other hand, volunteer at the same place we work.

I would rather greet at Wal-Mart and be passionate about serving God, my church and our city than to be a professional minister with no fire.