Hot Pursuit

      The most overused line of police shows is, “I’m in hot pursuit.” It is spoken over the CB radio as sirens blare and tires squeal (even if on dirt roads) around a corner while the suspects escape.

      II Timothy 2:22, however, demonstrates we must be in hot pursuit: “Now flee youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”

      We are to pursue righteousness. According to Strong’s Enhanced Lexicon, this refers to “the state of him who is as he ought to be.” Righteousness means doing what pleases God and being what God intended us to be. In Matthew 5:6, Jesus said we are to hunger and thirst for righteousness. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus said we are to seek God’s righteousness first. We are to be in hot pursuit of the life that pleases God.

      We are to be in hot pursuit of faith, that is, conviction and trust in God. This means not only believing in God, but believing God. In II Peter 1:5-8, Peter explained that faith is our foundation, however it must be increasing. We need to pursue those things which increase our faith.

      The number one pursuit that increases our faith is also the number one pursuit aiding our righteousness. Romans 10:17 says faith comes by hearing God’s word. II Timothy 3:16-17 says Scripture is profitable to instruct us in righteousness. If we are in hot pursuit of righteousness and faith, we are going to be in hot pursuit of God’s word.

      We are to be in hot pursuit of love. This is the unconditional agape that puts the needs of others before our own. I Timothy 1:5 explained that the goal of our instruction is love. Further, I Peter 1:22 says we have purified ourselves for a sincere love of the brethren. The two greatest commands are love God and love our neighbor (Matthew 22:36-39). We must be in hot pursuit of love.

      We must be in hot pursuit of peace, that is, peace with God and peace with men. Romans 12:18 explains as much as it depends on us, we are to be at peace with all. James 3:17-18 explains godly wisdom is peaceable and sown in peace by those who make peace. In Matthew 5:9, Jesus said only peacemakers shall be called sons of God. We have to pursue peace.

      We are to pursue these things with those who call on God from a pure heart. We are not the lone ranger and we must not act as such. We must not be those who come to the assembly and avoid other interaction with brethren. We must be in hot pursuit of righteousness, faith, love and peace with brethren who are also in hot pursuit of these things.

      With whom are you pursuing righteousness, faith, love and peace?

Edwin L. Crozier