In speaking to Timothy Paul calls upon him to remember he has been set apart by God for purpose; that he is to be an example before others; that he is to demonstrate the character qualities of Jesus in all things and at all times. These words were not just for one pastor 2,000 years ago, but for each believer who honestly strives to honor the Lord. He encouraged him of the importance of holiness, of being cleansed from all which was dishonorable to the Lord. “So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love , and peace” (2 Timothy 2.22). In this statement there is one thing we are exhorted to do away with, and four things we are to strive for in our lives. First, we are to “flee youthful passions.” These are the passions of self-interest, self-fulfillment, self-attention; those which are not focused upon the Lord and His Word, on Christ and doing the will of God. To flee is to run from them and not have them be any part of our lives.
We are called to pursue four character qualities. To pursue is to seek earnestly, to strive for fulfillment, to vigilantly try to achieve. This is not a casual activity but running away from something to pursue something else. Therefore, might we be diligent in pursuing righteousness – the holiness of God, Biblical purity, and freedom from all sin and sinful bondage in every area of our lives. May we be diligent in pursuing faith – a total and complete trust in our Lord and His Word, an unwavering commitment to believe and full obedience to follow Christ, with the assurance of His faithfulness to us. May we be diligent to pursue love – having a greater understanding of the sacrificial, unconditional love God gave us, then loving God from our hearts and loving others as Christ has loved us. May we diligently pursue peace – the peace which only God can give, peace within, and peace among believers. Pursuit is always for purpose – to grow to be more like Christ and to bring glory to the Lord in all things and at all times.
Knowing Christ has pursued us – we have much to be thankful for –
Terry Burlingame
My Morning Desk 