I’ve been thinking about pursuit a lot lately. For a couple reasons -one, it’s part of the title of a new series I’m working on writing and two, it’s something God currently has me learning as well. But what is pursuit? How would you define it? Dictionary.com gives this definition:
to follow in order to overtake, capture, kill, etc.; chase; to follow close upon; go with; attend; to strive to gain; seek to attain or accomplish (an end, object, purpose, etc.); to proceed in accordance with (a method, plan, etc.). It also says: to chase after someone or something.
I love how scripture encourages us to pursue. Here are a few verses I found after a quick search. (NIV)
Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it. (Psalm
34:14)
The Lord detests the way of the wicked,
but he loves those who pursue
righteousness. (Proverbs 15:9)
Whoever pursues righteousness and love
finds life, prosperity and honor.
(Proverbs 21:21)
Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (2 Timothy 2:22)
They must turn from evil and do good;
they must seek peace and pursue it. (1
Peter 3:11)
Jesus wants us to be pursuing our faith, digging deeper in His Word and learning what He has for us. Sometimes the learning process is difficult. In order to learn a lesson, develop a Godly characteristic, we often need the Master Carpenter to chisel away the parts of us that are in opposition to His ways. It can be a painful process, but necessary if we want to truly follow our Lord.
How about you… when’s the last time you pursued something in God’s Word? How has He been leading you to dig deeper?