Pursue Faith
1 Timothy 6:11–12
11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things [love of riches and dissension]. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
Pursue Faith
At first thought, the phrase pursue faith does not make sense. Don’t you either have faith or not have faith? How can we pursue something that we claim to have?
As believers who trust in the saving work of Jesus, we need to grow in faith each day to follow and trust our God. I need faith today to speak boldly about God. I need faith to combat temptation. I need faith to be humble. I need faith to trust in God’s provision.
You and I are called to pursue faith because we are called deeper into a trusting relationship with God where we are more dependent upon Him for our every need and desire. Pursuing faith means actively placing more and more of your life under God’s care — choosing to trust Him where you normally trust yourself.
I am reminded of the man with a sick son who comes to Jesus for help in Mark 9. He asks Jesus, “If you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” Jesus calls out his qualifying phrase “If you can,” to which the man replies, “I believe; help my unbelief.”
Like that man, our faith is real, yet incomplete. We believe — and yet we need help believing in the places where trust comes slow.
I believe that Jesus is the Son of God who saves sinners by standing in our place of judgment.
I struggle to believe that living according to God’s rules is better.
I believe that God created the world and holds it all together.
I struggle to trust God to provide for my needs.
I believe that God is good and is working for my good.
I struggle to wait on God’s plan and attempt to do it all my way.
I believe. Help my unbelief.
Practical Ways to Pursue Faith:
Identify places you trust self over God.
Think back over God’s goodness to you.
Combat the fear that comes up with an opportunity for faith.
