When I was younger, my stepdad was an avid fisherman and hunter. I didn’t care much for either at the time, but nonetheless, I learned about lures, bait, and deer blinds. So when I discovered the biblical meaning of the word pursue, I immediately understood the value of this instruction.
To pursue means to follow after like a hunter. So scriptures like, “Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts,” (1 Corinthians 14:1) or “…let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another” (Romans 14:19), are perfectly illustrated when you understand the meaning.
Both hunters and fishermen are strategic and intentional where they set up. It wouldn’t make sense for a hunter to set up his deer blind in a field with no evidence that deer ever graze in that area; or a fishermen to repeatedly drop anchor in a spot that never catches anything. In other words, they follow the evidence of what they’re pursuing.
To pursue love means to look for the evidence of love in action– even if you’re the one casting the bait (of love). The same would apply for peace.
Too often, we are expecting results in the wrong places. Or should I say in the wrong atmosphere. Hunters don’t set up deer blinds on the highway. Fishermen don’t cast their lines in swimming pools. So why are we expecting love and peace to be present in atmospheres of ridicule, spite, bitterness, anger, or strife? It’s not going to be found there…
Unless you’re intentional to sow for it.
Seasoned hunters have learned to set out grain and feed in areas they want to draw the deer into. The same for fishermen– they intentionally set trotlines (heavy fishing lines with baited hooks attached at intervals) for the very purpose of attracting more fish.
When we encounter negative atmospheres, we can intentionally sow seeds of peace, kindness, love, and hope. “…Think about the farmer who has to patiently wait for the earth’s harvest as it ripens because of the early and latter rains. So you also keep your hopes high and be patient, for the presence of the Lord is drawing closer” (James 5:7-8, TPT). The farmer knows his seed won’t produce overnight, but he keeps watering it, patiently waiting and expecting his seed to produce. In the same way, sow your seeds continually. Don’t stop. Water kindness, plant love, sow peace, and let God bring in the harvest you’re desiring.
“See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all” (1 Thessalonians 5:15). Make it your aim and quest. Not only should we look for the best in others, but it should be our goal to bring it out of others. In a world where it’s more common to return evil for evil, be different. Be purposeful to pursue love and the things which edify.
