Pursue Series: Righteousness
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.
As I concluded my time reading through First Timothy this week, the bolded section of vv. 11–12 stood out to me as a litmus test for believers to consider as we seek to live in response to the love of God. So, for the next few days, we are going to unpack the things we are to pursue as I hope to encourage you to start or continue living according to God’s way.
Pursue Righteousness.
What is righteousness? A quick Google search results in this definition: Biblical righteousness is conformity to the divine will and law, encompassing both God's own perfect, holy nature and the state of being accepted as righteous by Him through faith in Christ. A simpler way we may say this is “living right in the eyes of God.”
This means that what I do, think, and say should be done in a manner that is in line with God’s way. Furthermore, what I fail to do, think, and say should be done in a manner that is in line with God’s way. Righteousness isn’t limited to a few “spiritual” areas of life; it shapes every choice and attitude we carry.
Paul writes it plainly in 6:11 to pursue righteousness. I think the word pursue is quite fitting, especially in the context of righteousness, because righteousness is not something we will ever fully complete. We will not be perfectly righteous, but that does not dissuade us from pursuing righteousness. Simply because I cannot be a perfect husband does not mean that I do not pursue being the best husband I can be. Just as I’ll never be a perfect husband yet still strive to love my wife well, so we pursue living rightly before God — not to earn His favor, but because we already have it through Christ.
Practical Ways to Pursue Righteousness:
Integrity is non-negotiable — speak and act in admirable ways.
Do what is right even when no one is looking or will notice.
Treat others with fairness and justice at all times.
Examine your motives — not simply acting out of convenience but based on conscience.
