“Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.” — 2 Timothy 2:22b
Have you noticed how many things we can pursue in this world? We pursue our careers, pleasures, rest, money and fame. Many even pursue immorality.
The Lord gives us clear direction on what we should pursue, “righteous living, faithfulness, love and peace.” Additionally, we can enjoy MANY other things. But, the Bible calls us to make sure we “enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.” We must learn to enjoy the friendship and the fellowship of other Christians — those who have the pure and simple intention of growing in Christ.
This causes me to ask the questions: “Am I pursuing/actively chasing after, righteous living? Am I pursuing faithfulness, love and peace?”, “Do I passionately enjoy the companionship of Believers who clearly pursue Jesus?” Church, it’s wonderful that we have so many things in this life to enjoy — so many things in this life to work toward. We must ask ourselves, however, “In our pursuits, are we including those things God has called us to?”
How much of your week is spent with other Believers? How much of your time is spent pursuing the Lord in prayer and in “righteous living” through daily devotion to the Lord? Are you serving the least of these? Are you faithful to your word? Are you actively pursuing peace in the name of the Lord?
These verses are both a conviction to me and a roadmap for my life. I need the Holy Spirit’s help to enlarge my heart in these areas. I need His help. Chances are, so do you. All that to say, He asks us to pursue these traits and habits for our joy and His glory. He gives us this roadmap to walk in blessing.
As you face your week (with all your rest, your work and in all your dreams) keep this verse in mind. Ask God to help you graciously grow in these areas for His glory and your joy.
Pursuing with you,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor