(Prov 21:21 NLT) Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor.
This morning we continue our series entitled “Unlocking the Power of Proverbs – Walking in the Wisdom of God.” In life we all seemingly pursue different things and there is no doubt that many have veered off their God-ordained paths for life in the pursuit of worldly desires. Here Solomon teaches us that if we do it right, if we pursue the things of God, then not only can we obtain it, but we can actually receive what I call the TOTAL PACKAGE. Let’s break down this verse:
Whoever pursues righteousness: The word “righteousness” basically means a right-standing with God. This is a laudable pursuit. If you are going to pursue anything, pursue righteousness, because this pursuit is recognized and rewarded by God pursuit-worthy. In Matthew Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” The Amplified Translation of this verse reads: “Blessed and fortunate and happy and spiritually prosperous (in that state in which the born-again child of God enjoys His favor and salvation) are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God), for they shall be completely satisfied! [Isa. 55:1, 2.]” When you pursue the things of God, and you pursue them the right (Godly) way, then you not only will you obtain what you are pursuing, but you will be completely satisfied during the process of pursuit and after obtaining it. We have all experienced the ‘buyers remorse’ of pursuing something we thought we really wanted and needed, only to obtain it and then realize that it was not all it was ‘cracked up’ to be. But when you pursue a right standing with God you enjoy the pursuit and the results!
And unfailing love: God is love. Remember that He does not merely possess love or operate in love. God literally is love (1 John 4:8). So pursuing love is actually pursuing God. Operating in love is the greatest requirement, the highest goal, and the ultimate achievement for the believer. The word Christian means “like Christ.” If we are going to be “like” Him, then we must pursue, operate in, and share the love of God with the world.
Will find life, righteousness, and honor: When you pursue righteousness and you pursue love you actually wind up getting those things plus the added benefit experiencing the type of life the Father desires for us to have. In Matthew 6 Jesus said, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (v.33). When you pursue righteousness, instead of “things,” then not only do you get the righteousness and you realize that the “things” that you could not pursued actually wind up pursuing you. In other words, what you give up in pursuit of God is never really lost. The Father has a way of ensuring you experience all that you could ever enjoy, because you chose to put Him first!
So what does this mean to you today? Simply put, it means that if you pursue God you will find Him and along with Him you will get the TOTAL PACKAGE – the life He desires for you to have!
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for this revelation. I refuse to abort my destiny and to veer from the path You desire for me to take in life, because of the pursuit of worldly things. Instead of pursuing things, I pursue You. But since I have chosen to pursue You instead of things, I know that things will actually wind up pursuing me. My priorities are in order. You are first and foremost in my life. I have been declared righteous because of the Blood of Jesus and I seek to walk in that righteousness and also in Your love daily. As I do so You bless me with Your life – the type of life You desire for me to live – Your righteousness, and Your honor. You honor me, because I honor You and Your approval of my life enables me to experience the TOTAL PACKAGE! I am completely satisfied in You and I have no need or desire to leave my pursuit of You in pursuit of anything else. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
