What comes to mind
when you hear the word “pursue”?
The first thing that comes to my mind is how I pursued my
husband back in 1996. I would make it a
point to talk with him, hang out with him, get him to notice me. All in the hopes that maybe he would want to
date me. Almost to borderline stalker
type fashion.
Which makes sense, really, because the definition of
“pursue” is:
To follow and try to catch or capture (someone or something)
for usually a long distance or time.
Secondly, I think of the Declaration of Independence that
states God has created us with these rights: “life, liberty, and the pursuit
of happiness”.
Interesting contrast to what I’m reading in 1 Timothy 6.
Paul is writing to young pastor Timothy just before this
verse he warns Timothy not to get wrapped up in pride, money, and
possessions. He reminds Timothy to be
content with the food and clothing he has.
Timothy was serving in Ephesus a major city of trade on commerce within
the Roman Empire. It’s no wonder Paul
had to remind Timothy not to get wrapped up in pursuing happiness in money and
things. But to be content.
1 Timothy 6:6-7
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain, 7 for we
brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. 8
But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.
Questions I’m Asking Myself:
·
How have
I gotten sucked into pursuing happiness in money or possessions?
·
How can
the pursuit of happiness hinder my ability to be content?
·
What is
the benefit that comes from being content?
Paul goes on to tell Timothy what we CAN and SHOULD pursue:
But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue
righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness,
gentleness. 1 Timothy 6:11
Questions I’m Asking Myself:
·
What
would it look like to pursue (to go follow after to catch or capture over a
long period of time) righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness,
gentleness – In Christ?
·
How is
that different than pursuing my own happiness?
