I’m beginning a new study with our students called “Worthy Pursuits.” The basic idea is that we tend to
pursue many things in our lives, but not all of them are worthy pursuits according to the Bible. This matters
because the things we pursue say a lot about what we really value.
We can recognize what we really pursue by looking at what consistently receives our attention, time,
energy, and affection. Think through these questions: What are the things that occupy my thoughts? What
gets my time and energy? What am I spending my money on? What really brings me satisfaction? If I’m
being honest, too often, especially this time of year, my thoughts (and mood) revolve around football. And
based on some of our conversations on Sunday mornings, I know I’m not the only one!
The truth is, life is too short to pursue things that don’t really matter. James says our life is like a vapor that
appears for a little while and then vanishes (James 4:14). We are not promised tomorrow. So, while we are
here, we should seek to live our lives to the fullest by pursuing what is truly worthy according to the Bible.
Even good things can become unworthy pursuits if they are not pursued for the glory of God. That’s why
we should look to God’s Word and examine what He tells us to pursue. In 1 and 2 Timothy, Paul gives
Timothy a list of seven things: righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness, and peace.
Would you join me and our college students in pursuing the things that really matter as we begin this
semester? It may seem simple or even obvious, but sometimes the best thing we can do is simply obey
what God has clearly told us to do. So, as we pursue these things, we can trust that He will transform us
more and more into the likeness of Christ.