Pursue: The Divine Instinct to Chase What Truly Matters
To pursue is to chase with a definite objective, to follow with a burning passion until the prize is secured. This God-given instinct lies at the core of human purpose, calling us to reach beyond ourselves toward objectives that carry eternal weight. Yet not all pursuit is equal. The direction of our chase reveals the condition of our hearts, and only that which is anchored in God's design will ultimately satisfy.
The Nature of True Pursuit: Purpose and Passion
There is a fundamental difference between running wildly in every direction and pursuing a clear, godly objective. The apostle Paul warns that our works will be tested by fire, and only those built upon the foundation of Christ will endure (1 Cor 3:12-15). Many expend tremendous energy chasing worldly success, recognition, or material gain, only to discover at life's end that their prize holds no eternal value. True pursuit begins with discerning what is worth chasing.
Paul instructs Timothy to pursue a different class of objectives entirely: righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness (1 Tim 6:11). These are not passive qualities but active targets that demand our full engagement. When our passion is directed toward godly ends, we align ourselves with the very purposes for which we were created. The burning desire within us was never meant to be extinguished, but to be channelled toward that which honours our Creator.
The Discipline of the Chase: Focus and Perseverance
Passion alone is insufficient without discipline. Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a treasure hidden in a field or a pearl of great price—when found, the discoverer sells all he has to obtain it (Mt 13:44-46). This is not impulsive action but calculated commitment. True pursuit demands sacrifice. The man who finds the treasure sells everything, counting the cost and committing fully. Half-hearted effort yields half-hearted results. Before building a tower, the wise count the cost to ensure they can finish what they begin (Lk 14:28). Genuine pursuit requires clarity of vision and willingness to pay the price.
The journey demands perseverance. We need like-minded people around us who share our vision and strengthen our resolve when weakness threatens to derail us. We need a clear picture of our destination, so that when obstacles arise we do not falter. And we need faith—the settled confidence that God is with us and that the prize is worth every sacrifice. Without these anchors, passion dissipates and pursuit grinds to a halt. To truly obtain what matters most, one must be prepared to pay the price—to surrender comfort, release lesser attachments, and commit fully to the chase.
The Ultimate Prize: Pursuing Righteousness and God's Heart
The Lord loves those who pursue righteousness (Prov 15:9), yet Scripture is clear that our own attempts at righteousness are as filthy rags before a holy God (Isa 64:6). Those who live according to the flesh cannot please Him (Rom 8:8). This seeming contradiction resolves only when we understand that true righteousness is not achieved through human effort but received through humble faith. David's prayer for a clean heart and right spirit reflects the posture required (Ps 51:10).
No one is justified before God by observing the law; righteousness comes through believing in Jesus Christ (Rom 3:20,28). Since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom 5:1). It is with the heart that we believe and are justified (Rom 10:10). We are justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified (Gal 2:16). Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness (Gal 3:6; Jas 2:23). Having been raised with Christ, we set our hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God (Col 3:1).
Yet even after justification, the enemy attacks the very place of pursuit, whispering lies that cause us to abandon the chase. God admonishes the church of Ephesus: "You have abandoned the passionate love you had for me at the beginning... Repent and do the works of love you did at first" (Rev 2:4-5). This call to repent and rekindle our first love is the antidote to a settled, comfortable faith. We must refuse to let past hurts, disappointments, or fears halt our pursuit of oneness with God and others.
Be determined to pursue your God-given purpose and calling in life, but do not neglect your connection to Him. The pursuit itself must never become a substitute for the relationship that gives it meaning. Purpose flows from presence, and calling is sustained only by continual communion with the One who called you.
Reflection and Application:
- Examine whether your current pursuits have eternal value or are merely temporary achievements that will pass away.
- Identify the lies that have caused you to abandon pursuit in any area of life, and bring them before God in repentance.
- Cultivate relationships with like-minded believers who will strengthen your resolve and help you stay focused on godly objectives.
- Choose today to rekindle your passionate love for God, refusing to let past disappointments halt your pursuit of Him.
See also: abandon, goal, objective, passion, perseverance, pursuing God, righteousness.