Have you ever realized you can’t start your day without that warm cup of coffee or that quick scroll through social media? Me too! It’s so easy for these little habits to sneak into our daily life, becoming the first thing we turn to for comfort. In this post, I’m going to share some everyday examples of passions that often take priority over prayer or turning to God, especially during our Orthodox fasts.
1. What are considered as passions?
In the Orthodox Christian tradition, a “passion” isn’t just a strong feeling or a deep love for something. It’s more like an unhealthy attachment or habit we rely on as a source of comfort, rather than leaning on God. Church Fathers like St. John Climacus describe these passions as powerful forces in our personal life that can distort our perspective and keep us stuck in our comfort zone. They can block our path to spiritual growth, turning our focus away from prayer, worship, and community service.
During a fast, we make extra effort to align our personal values and core beliefs with God’s will. We step out of our day-to-day grind and reflect on what drives us. If we focus on the nature of passion we have for worldly things—like checking social media or indulging in comfort food—more than we focus on prayer, we risk neglecting our spiritual journey. Realizing these habits is the first step toward personal development and true transformation.
2. Examples of Passions
Below is a list of passions, arranged from less damaging to soul and body to more critical. You might find yourself relating to different areas of this list. That’s perfectly okay—our goal isn’t to judge but to grow.
🍵 1. The Morning Coffee Habit
Many of us can’t imagine starting our personal life without coffee. Research from the National Coffee Association shows that around 62% of Americans drink coffee daily. It might be a good thing to enjoy a warm cup in your free time, but if brewing that cup every morning pushes prayer aside or forces you to rush through spiritual reading, it becomes a type of passion. Coffee can drag you out of a prayerful comfort zone if you’re relying on it for energy rather than turning to God for strength.
📧 2. Endless News or Email Checking
A study by Sleep Advisor found that 11% of Americans check news or email within minutes of waking up. If you’re reading updates on world affairs or scanning career path tips before you even say a prayer, you risk filling your mind with anxiety and noise instead of God’s peace. This habit can derail the positive impact of early morning devotions, leading you to focus on global crises or job demands instead of rooting yourself in the Lord.
🤳 3. Social Media Scrolling
According to the Pew Research Center, 31% of U.S. adults are online “almost constantly.” Scrolling through your feed might seem like a great way to fill spare time. You might even discover new things or get inspired by passionate people engaged in social justice. Yet when you spend more energy on likes and comments than on prayer, the transformative power of passion shifts to the virtual world. Social media can become your first love each day, crowding out authentic spiritual growth.
📱 4. Phone Checking and “Phubbing”
A global survey by Statista indicates the average person checks their phone about 58 times a day. This constant need to stay connected can shift your focus away from prayer, leaving you with little free time to practice mindfulness or read a spiritual book. If your phone usage intrudes on church services, family interactions, or private devotions, you may be sidelining God in favor of your digital devices. This type of passion can also erode real-life relationships and hamper your personal growth in faith.
🍿 5. Mindless Snacking or Comfort Food
A recent study showed that 38% of adults overeat or opt for junk food due to stress. Food can be a great way to celebrate or unwind. But if you constantly open the fridge whenever life feels overwhelming, you’re turning to calories instead of Christ. That focus on easy, comforting snacks can replace the deep love we should direct toward God, transforming a quick bite into an obsessive passion. Instead of seeking spiritual support, you lean on fleeting tastes and miss opportunities for personal development in faith.
🍬 6. Craving Sweets and Desserts
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that many Americans consume far more added sugar than recommended. Reaching for cookies, candy, or pastries when you feel stressed might seem harmless, but this habit can become a strong feeling of craving that overshadows prayer. You might find yourself turning to sugar for a mood lift instead of approaching God with your worries. Over time, sweets can fill a sense of purpose that only spiritual life can truly satisfy.
🥤 7. Soda and Sugary Beverages
Many people see soda or energy drinks as a quick pick-me-up. However, the CDC warns about the high sugar content in these beverages. If you always pop open a can to feel better, you might be relying on a sugar rush rather than prayer. This habit can be so ingrained that you instinctively grab a drink before focusing on spiritual needs. In subtle ways, soda or energy drinks can claim valuable space in your personal life that could be used for prayerful reflection.
🍔 8. Fast Food Fixation
Fast food is convenient, and it can be tempting to rely on it for comfort. A report by Statista shows that fast-food sales in the U.S. consistently climb year after year. If your daily life revolves around grabbing burgers and fries whenever you’re stressed, you might be using them to soothe your soul instead of turning to God. You might justify this comfort, especially when you’re busy. But it ultimately replaces genuine dependence on the Lord, who should be your guiding source of peace.
📺 9. Binge-Watching TV or Streaming
A Nielsen report found that 98% of U.S. consumers subscribe to at least one streaming service. Catching up on your favorite shows can be a great way to unwind. But if you spend a lot of time watching fictional stories instead of reading Scripture, you could be missing out on the best ways to deepen your faith. If streaming marathons lead you to neglect prayer, you might be sacrificing the harmonious passion that comes from engaging with God’s Word. Trading spiritual nourishment for hours of entertainment is easy—especially during a fast.
🛍️ 10. Online Shopping and Impulse Buying
A survey by CreditCards.com revealed that 57% of respondents admitted to impulse buying within a 1 year period. It might begin with looking for new experiences or items that promise to spark creativity. But retail therapy can quickly become a good examples of passion gone wrong. When hitting “buy now” becomes your go-to comfort rather than prayer or fellowship. You risk compromising personal finances and pushing God to the background. By relying on the thrill of a purchase, you lose sight of the eternal security that comes from trusting the Lord.
💬 11. Gossip and Idle Chatter
A study published in Time showed that 15% of daily conversations involve negative gossip. You might view it as harmless talk about different things. But focusing on rumors can replace the positive impact of prayer and reflection. Idle chatter often robs you of time you could spend deepening your personal passion for Christ and caring for others in meaningful ways. Rather than building each other up, gossip can tear people down and leave God’s guidance on the sidelines.
🎮 12. Gaming Marathons
The Entertainment Software Association reports that 61% of Americans play video games at least 1 hour per week, which can be a great way to relax or bond with passionate people. But gaming can also become an obsessive passion if you lose track of time and ignore church or prayer. Young people may find a safe place to socialize online, yet that sense of purpose in leveling up can replace meaningful engagement with God. If playing becomes an escape from prayerful reflection, it can crowd God out of your daily routine.
🎙️ 13. Podcast Overload and Educational Content
Edison Research suggests more people than ever are listening to podcasts. That can be a great way to discover new skills, explore personal values, or learn about various categories of topics. But filling every quiet moment with interviews or commentary leaves no space for silent prayer. If you’re more interested in hearing about professional life hacks or business leader stories than spending time in Scripture, you’re letting even beneficial content replace your relationship with God. It can also feed an unchecked desire for constant novelty.
🏋️ 14. Over-Commitment to Physical Fitness
Staying fit is usually a good thing and can have a positive impact on physical health. However, when you spend every spare moment in the gym or obsess over your physique, you risk letting this good pursuit consume your spiritual routine. Maybe you skip daily prayers for another workout. Or you refuse to attend church events because they conflict with your exercise schedule... Even if you have a strong desire for health, it becomes an all-consuming passion when it leaves no room for prayer, Scripture reading, and community service.
🚀 15. Obsession with New Experiences or Travel
Chasing new things—like rock climbing, adventure tours, or exploring creative arts—can be fulfilling. But you can lose focus on God if you spend all your time planning your next getaway. If wanderlust makes you neglect prayer, you risk turning your travels or hobbies into idols. Seeking a sense of purpose in endless exploration can cause you to overlook the quieter, lasting peace that comes from dedicating your life to Christ. There’s nothing wrong with diverse interests, but they can sidetrack your spiritual growth if taken to extremes.
💘 16. Romantic Love as the Ultimate Goal
Romantic relationships offer deep love and can be a great way to build a better place for mutual growth. However, if you center your entire personal life around this strong desire, you might forget to pray or participate in community events. Rather than seeing romantic love as a reflection of God’s love, you can turn it into an all-consuming purpose. This shift endangers your spiritual focus by transferring your devotion from God to another person, which can lead to disappointment if that relationship struggles or fails.
🌟 17. Idolizing Public Figures or Celebrity Culture
Fascination with business leaders like Steve Jobs or famous celebrities can inspire new hobbies or sharpen your skill set. But it can also overshadow daily devotions. When you spend extra effort emulating worldly success stories without seeking God’s guidance, you might lose sight of spiritual growth. Idolizing well-known figures may provide short-term motivation but can rob you of a closer reliance on Christ. Especially during challenging seasons that require God’s grace rather than human achievement.
👍 18. Pursuit of Social Media Activism and “Likes”
Caring about human rights or animal welfare can be a great way to serve God’s creation. Yet if posting online for likes becomes your main priority—even above genuine volunteer work—it becomes an obsessive passion. Rather than praying for those in need or engaging in local organization initiatives, you might chase virtual approval. Social media applause can feel like progress. But it can also serve as a superficial replacement for authentic compassion and time spent in prayer.
🔞 19. Pornography Addiction
Fight the New Drug cites studies indicating that 91-99% of men and 60-92% of women watch porn. This addiction damages spiritual, emotional, and relational health. Porn offers instant gratification but steals time and focus away from a genuine relationship with God. Instead of seeking Christ in moments of loneliness or temptation, individuals turn to explicit material, distancing themselves from the true passion for holiness that leads to real fulfillment.
🍻 20. Alcohol Abuse
According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 28.9 million people ages 12 and older suffered from alcohol use disorder in the past year. Social drinking may be acceptable in moderation, but turning to alcohol to cope can become an all-consuming passion. It replaces the solace that prayer, Scripture, and fellowship can provide. Late-night drinking can lead to skipped Vespers, missed morning prayers, or strained personal relationships, letting alcohol overshadow a deeper reliance on God.
💊 21. Drug or Substance Addiction
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights the increasing rate of drug overdoses from 8.2 deaths per 100,000 standard population in 2002 to 32.6 in 2022. Substance misuse can devastate physical health and personal life, pulling you away from prayer and fellowship. Rather than reaching out to God in hard times, you rely on the numbing effect of substances. This addiction isolates you from your faith community and prevents you from experiencing spiritual transformation, turning your focus away from God’s redeeming power.
Final Take Away
All of us can find different things in our personal life that become obsessions. Whether that’s coffee, social media, or something more serious like alcohol... The best ways to address these passions during a fast are prayer, confession, and active steps toward moderation. Remember what St. John Chrysostom said:
Fasting is wonderful, because it tramples our sins like a dirty weed, while it cultivates and raises truth like a flower.”
This is our chance to weed out the wrong answer to life’s problems and discover the transformative power of spiritual discipline.
May this fasting season be a gateway to personal growth, a deeper sense of purpose, and ultimately, a better place in your relationship with God. Let’s make great efforts together to overcome our obsessions and become the passionate person who directs all strong desire toward Christ.
Watch This Video
Here is a great YouTube video on this topic:
Frequently Asked Questions
In a biblical context, passion refers to strong desires or emotions that can shape your everyday life. Scripture often warns against allowing these desires to dominate your thoughts and actions. For instance, James 1:14–15 teaches that unchecked passion can lead to sinful behavior. At the same time, the Bible recognizes passion can inspire great things if aligned with God’s will. When you direct such passion toward building your core values—like love, kindness, and faith—you can find a better place in your spiritual walk. Think of it like a passion project for your soul, bringing new challenges and innovative solutions to daily struggles.
The Bible highlights that your passions must be guided by God’s truth and not just personal gain or pride. Romans 13:14 tells us to “make no provision for the flesh,” reminding us that an undisciplined passion can distract from God’s plan. However, harnessed passion can lead to a proven track record of righteous living, whether it’s through local group charity runs or educational podcasts that promote social change. By aligning your passions with God’s Word, you maintain a strong work ethic that benefits both professional development and spiritual growth.
Start by examining what activities or pursuits draw your attention away from everything else—even if you’re doing a board game marathon or polishing a job application. Consider where you dedicate your free time and if those interests fuel a deep sense of purpose. Ask yourself basic interview questions like: “What do I get excited about even when it’s hard work?” or “Where do I see myself making a positive impact?” If you notice a strong desire to engage in something over and over—even if it’s space travel documentaries or new interests in problem-solving skills—that may be your passion. Just ensure it does not replace prayer, mindfulness practices, and genuine reliance on God.
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