Posted on August 2, 2023 by Elizabeth Welte in Victory Call
The Christian walk, a blossoming relationship with Jesus Christ, unity of the Body, peace and love. None of these are passive, natural, or simply happen.
Every one of these things require that we put out effort… pursuing… seeking.
SEEK: to go in search of, look for; to try to discover; to ask for; to try to acquire or gain, aim at; to make an attempt.[i] All Active verbs: search, look, discover, ask, acquire, gain, aim, attempt. In His Word God repeatedly reminds us that there is nothing passive here.
You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” … seek peace and pursue it… O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you… Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! … O God, my Lord; in you I seek refuge, Whoever covers an offense seeks love … seek justice… seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness… seek to show hospitality… seek the things that are above… always seek to do good to one another and to everyone…pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding... Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness…flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness[ii]
When we read these Scriptures is our next thought, “Oh, that’s nice” or is it, “How shall I seek that today, Lord?” In what ways will I pursue unity, love, justice, hospitality, peace, and righteousness today?
There is no such thing as a passive follower – that is an oxymoron. To follow Christ requires, by its very nature… activity, following.
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Mark 8:34
He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. 1 John 2:6 (NIV)
Lord, I don’t want to be a passive Christian. Open my eyes to see and then the faith to act upon it.
[i] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seek definitions #2-5, accessed 1.30.18
[ii] Psalm 27:8, Psalm 34:14, Psalm 63:1, Psalm 105:4, Psalm 141:8, Proverbs 17:9, Isaiah 1:17, Matthew 6:33, Romans 12:13, Colossians 3:1, 1Thessalonians 5:15; Romans 14:19; 1 Timothy 6:11; 2
Written by Diane Hunt: Diane Hunt serves on the board of America’s Keswick and is the Executive Director & CEO of Changed Choices, a Christian non-profit in North Carolina. She is also a biblical counselor and women’s event speaker. For more information about having Diane speak at your next event please contact her at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.
Think About This: “Being a Christian is more than just an instantaneous conversion – it is a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like Christ.” – Billy Graham
The Daily Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 32-33, Nahum 1. You can download our 2023 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here.
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. 9 And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.” Hebrews 5:8-9
Consider a retreat at America’s Keswick retreat center.
