We all have the drive to pursue something. Some people pursue riches, others pursue fame, while others pursue sexual conquests. We tend to pursue things we find pleasure in or enjoy. Though, many things are pleasurable, few are satisfying.
The Lord tells us to pursue love. 1 Corinthians 14: 1 says, “Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.” (ESV) The Greek word used in this scripture to describe love is ‘agape’ which means Godly love, so it is safe to say that this scripture is also saying, “Pursue God…” If it’s human instinct to pursue something, then our number one goal needs to be placing God in front of us always. In our society, it’s easy to put other things as more of a priority. These other elements may not look bad, but if put in the position of God, they can have a negative impact on our lives. Let’s take a look at why God must be our main focus over everything else.
Money
No matter how much money we have, it will not buy our way into heaven. When reflecting on life, lots of people think of the money they’ve earned. But most people contemplate their character, friendships, what they’ve accomplished and if they’re becoming a person they like. The Bible speak about how it’s easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get into heaven (Mark 10:25). Yes, money is a necessity in our society and it’s typically easier to live with more money than with less. But money does tie us down to commitments, things, pleasures and responsibilities that can easily take focus away from Christ.
Reputation
An influential reputation is important. If we’re pursuing a relationship with Christ, our reputation will not only be influential, it will be positive. It may not be cool. You may not be popular. But a relationship with the Lord presents the love and truth of Christ, and that’s incredibly important. If you aren’t leaning on Christ, then you’re leaning on your own understanding (or the understating of others) to gauge what it is to be effective. Those standards change every day and are assumed based on individual circumstances. God’s standards are always good, strong and true. You can make a million decisions in attempt to control your reputation, but one wrong decision can send it crashing down.
Seeking God is smart.
Family and Friends
Family and friends are incredibly important. So important that the only thing that should be above them is the Lord. Your family may even be the reason why you have a relationship with Jesus. If they aren’t, then they’re the people you want most to be with you in heaven. So, making God first, no matter their relationship with the Lord, is honoring to those you deeply love.
Pleasure
The spectrum of what brings us pleasure is wide. Anything from food, to sex, entertainment, an “A,” clothes, drugs can bring someone pleasure. But, pleasure is fleeting. The concept of “living in the moment” seems so relevant, but once that moment has passed, there’s nothing to show for that bit of pleasure. God did create things that would bring us pleasure, and in many cases, He finds joy in our enjoyment of those things. But, there’s so much more to life than streams of momentary pleasures. Much of what life is about involves responsibility and character development. Jumping from one pleasure to the next doesn’t develop either of these attributes.
Health and Beauty
The body is the temple of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), so it’s incredibly important to care for our bodies. But, taking care of the body for the sake of the Lord looks very different than caring for the body because we’re driven to look and feel a certain way for our own satisfaction. We should not neglect the body God created, but we should not place it on a pedestal either.
Pursuing something takes effort. No matter what you’re after, it will take work. Even if God is your main goal, following Him will not always come easily, nothing will. But, seeking God is smart. Many will be ashamed when what they trusted in falls apart. Those who trust in Jesus will never be put to shame.
