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2 Timothy 2:22
To cleanse oneself from the false security of being an inactive Christian (2 Timothy 2:20–21) is the command to begin seeking and following God’s will and calling. But the Apostle Paul quickly follows this command up with, “22Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22, NKJV). To pursue is a command to be active. The pursuit of something is a continual activity to draw closer and closer to that which is desired. In this case, the desire should be for the righteousness of Christ Jesus to be visible in our lives, along with a growing faith, love, and peace with all our brothers and sisters in Christ.
This is a command to flee youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with our fellow Christians.
It is interesting that Paul instructs us to flee the youthful lusts of this world as is a time in our lives of indecision and curious unknowns of the ways of this world. As Christians we should have a desire to grow and mature in our relationship with Jesus. This involves repenting from the sins we once lived in that were guided by the ways of this world, and openly receiving God’s plan for our lives as He fills our hearts, minds, and souls through His Holy Spirit.
Paul also instructs that we should pursue peace with our fellow Christian brothers and sisters. We might ask, “Why not should we pursue peace with everyone everywhere?” We should pursue peace with everyone everywhere, but those who live by the ways of this world are not seeking peace with us. As Christians we should be at peace with those who are of the same mindset and guidance from the same Holy Spirit of God. Those who do not have the same pursuit of righteousness, faith, and love from our Savior Jesus are not seeking the same things that we are. As Christians, we should together reflect God’s love in our lives that those who are of a different mindset may see the faith, love, and peace in our lives and be led to the same righteousness that fuels it all – In Christ. Paul has declared in 1 Thessalonians 4:7–8, “For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit.”
Dear LORD,
The Psalmist declares in Psalm 42:1–2, “As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God. My Soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” Please let it be so for us all LORD. In Jesus name I pray, amen.