SPIRITUAL PURSUITS

I Was Just Thinking About – SPIRITUAL PURSUITS.

Throughout one’s life there have often been inquiries regarding one’s goals and ambitions. Recently, a friend posted on Facebook a list of questions that could be asked of students as they begin a new school year. Some of them are “fluff” questions but some are applicable in terms of family enrichment and interpersonal relationships. Two of the questions in particular: (1) What are three awesome things about yourself? (2) What is the one thing you would like us to know about yourself? In Family Enrichment situations, question 2 would add: “that would really make one love you?”

For the Biblical Christian, there are particular goals one should seek and commitments one must make. When Paul wrote to Timothy about the values he should embrace and pursue throughout his life, they included First Timothy 6:11, “Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.” Paul added in Second Timothy 2:22, Pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”  Hebrews 12:14 adds, “Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” The Message paraphrase is: “Work at getting along with each other peace) and with God (holiness). Otherwise you’ll never get so much as a glimpse of God.”

What does Jesus teach about total commitment? He was very clear when he stated to all or any who chose to follow Him, Luke 9:23-24, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me…” It is a learning process as one becomes more conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. A contemporary song expresses part of the process: “Learning to lean, I'm learning to lean on Jesus Finding more power than I've ever dreamed I'm learning to lean on Jesus.  Sad broken hearted, at an alter I knelt I found peace that was so serene And all that He asks is a child-like trust And a heart that is learning to lean.”

Over the years, I have utilized Hymnals as part of my devotional reading and thoughts. A hymn that came to mind as I reflected on Hebrews 12:14, “Pursue holiness without which no one will see the Lord” was: More Holiness Give Me written by P.P. Bliss (1872) in which there is a checklist for one’s spiritual pursuit. Use the words as your personal prayer in your spiritual pursuit.

·       More holiness give me...

·       More strivings within...

·       More patience...

·       More faith...

·       More joy...

·       More purpose in prayer…

·       More gratitude...

·       More zeal...

·       More meekness...

·       More purity...

·       More strength...

·       More freedom from earth-stains...

·       More longings for home (heaven)...

·       More fit for the kingdom...

·       More useful...

·       More blessed and holy...

·       More, Savior, like Thee.

We might want to conclude this self-examination by singing a personal song of commitment…

To be like Jesus, to be like Jesus! My desire - to be like Him!
All through life's journey from earth to glory, My desire - to be like Him.

Prayerfully – Consider these things with me.