But you, man of God, run from these things, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. 1 Timothy 6:11
Predators pursue prey
Out of a desperate, most basic need for food.
Their survival depends on
Successful pursuit.
With that in mind, Paul calls on Timothy
(And any who would be a man or woman of God)
To this chase.
It is active.
It requires our whole selves.
Our senses, our energy, our dedication.
And he means for us to take this on
No as busy work, or to kill time,
But with the intent to capture the quarry.
It reminds us that godliness is not passive.
We don’t stumble into it.
The Holy Spirit enables us, but we must pursue:
Righteousness, keeping to God’s moral standard.
Godliness, aligning our character with the example of Christ.
Faith, resting in God and His power to accomplish sovereign plan.
Love, desiring the best for another and taking action.
Endurance, committing to finish our course.
Gentleness, treating everyone with marked kindness.
We will never catch what we do not pursue.