January 29

A Reminder to Pursue


… pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

2 Timothy 2:22b (NKJV)


Pursue love….

1 Corinthians 14:1 (NKJV)


Believe it or not, these words take me out of my comfort zone. You probably don’t struggle in this area, but some of us do. Some of us phlegmatics for sure.

I’m just too comfortable laying back and letting things happen, but hard-charging Paul won't let me. He commands us, “Pursue! Pursue!” like a victory-minded general. And since this is the word of God, I’ve got to listen up, take note, and get in the chase. And we know what Paul’s priority was. It was the same as Jesus’: love!

Love, not as the world loves, but as Christ loves. Pursue others with love. This heart attitude that says, “You are important” and “You matter” and “I care” … because God cares. It is pursuing. It is energizing others and helping others. It is believing that God will use me, because He wants to use me, because He’s designed me to do incredible things I’ve never dreamed of—righteous things, faithful things, loving things, peaceful things.

It's time to rise, stretch myself ... and ... get in the race!


LORD, encourage me. Motivate me. Help me to engage. Help me to pursue … for You! Amen.