What do I pursue?
Solomon, a king known for so much wisdom, left it on the shelf. And chased after worldly things. Marrying into idolatry. Multiple times.
Ecclesiastes starts off and continues in a prominent theme that reflects the king’s view after these pursuits. All is meaningless.
Every part of life takes on the flavor of futility. Restless forays into fruitless searches for meaning.
And the writer declares everything “futility and striving after wind.” Over and over.
Pursue
One body of believers we were part of overseas included a university professor and his family.
When it was his turn to share from the Word during our weekly house church, he chose Ecclesiastes. One of his favorite portions of Scripture, he said.
Why? Working with college students made “the words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem” come alive (Ecclesiastes 1:1).
He observed how students pursue different philosophies, academic degrees, lucrative careers, sexual immorality, and more. All to find meaning and purpose in life.
But it’s never enough. And often they’re heading in the wrong direction.
Fight the good fight
In Christ, this life is not futility. We’re not just chasing after wind.
No, He instructs us in His Word, “Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness” (1 Timothy 6:11).
And says, “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12).
By His Spirit. For His glory.
Pursue Him
Lord, help us to pursue You.
Keep us ever seeking first the Kingdom of God and Your righteousness (Matthew 6:33).
Not chasing some false idol or short-term security or self-gratification. Temporary and fruitless.
But daily abiding in the Christ. Drawing near to You through ongoing prayer. Dwelling on true wisdom in the Your Word.
Gathering with the Body to challenge and encourage one another in this pursuit.
And walking by faith. Day by day by day.
What about you?
Have you ever felt the futility of wrong pursuits? How do you determine to pursue righteousness in this world?
Related
Divided heart – Take the time – Distracted – Daily abiding – Abiding in Christ – Wholehearted devotion – 1 Timothy 6:11-12 – Book of Ecclesiastes – 2 Kings 11:4 –
2 replies on “Pursue”
We studied Gideon the past 2 weeks. As we discussed the way he began and the way he ended, it would be easy to judge him but our group shared examples of how we all struggle with pride or fear or anger. I think the best way to protect our hearts is to have honest dialogue with others who are seeking God!
I desire to pursue Him. Some times I let myself get in the way.