FCA: The Relentless Devotional For CompetitorsSample

The Right Pursuit

Rex Stump

READY:

“The one who pursues righteousness and faithful love will find life, righteousness, and honor.” – Proverbs 21:21

SET:

Tragedy strikes every day across our nation and unfortunately occurred in 2011 at the Texas Rangers stadium. In an effort to grab a foul ball, a young man lost his life when he fell 20 feet out of the stands. A few days later, during the MLB Home Run Derby, another fan nearly fell over the railing while reaching for a ball. What causes grown men to jump after a $4 baseball, risking injury and possibly their lives?

Proverbs 21:21 says to pursue “righteousness” and “faithful love.” Nothing here about pursuing money, power, trophies or objects! The Hebrew word for pursue means to “run after or chase.” It’s an attitude of running after something until you get it. You don’t stop until you have obtained that object.
As Christians, what should we pursue? We are to pursue righteousness, things that are right and true, and faithful love. We are told to actively chase after things that reflect Jesus!

When you pursue these things, you will find life, righteousness and honor. The word “find” means to attain or to fall in with. Imagine tripping and falling into a puddle. You are immersed in water and completely saturated. When we actively pursue the things of Jesus, we are told that we will fall into and be immersed by righteousness and honor.

We are consumed with trying to look good, instead of pursuing what is good! Beyond a baseball, a trophy or your name in the paper, we should first be pursuing Jesus Christ.

GO:

1. Are you pursuing worldly things or the things of Jesus?


2. Is your pursuit like a chase or a casual walk?


3. Have someone who knows you answer the first two questions for you!
   

WORKOUT:

Psalms 119:31-33

Proverbs 15:8-9

2 Timothy 2:21-22

OVERTIME:

Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I have lost focus on pursuing You. You’re more valuable than a sport or trophy; help me to seek You first. Amen.