Keeper of the Word
Nov 24, 2025
Pursue Christ
DEVOTIONAL: What Are You Pursuing?
Introducing Nabo—our joyful Golden Retriever whose heart leapt at the sound of a flying tennis ball. In this photo, she is mid-stride, muscles engaged, eyes locked on her beloved red tennis ball. In that moment, everything in her world narrowed to one pursuit. Her desire was clear. Her focus was unbroken. Her whole being was committed to chasing the thing she loved most.
And just like Nabo, we chase what our hearts desire.We pursue recognition, security, peace, material comfort, or the approval of others. Sometimes these pursuits are subtle—quiet inner drives that lead our steps more than we realize. At other times, our desires are loud and demanding, calling us to run hard after things that will never truly satisfy.
Jesus clarifies this truth with piercing simplicity:“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” —Matthew 6:21
This Scripture invites a deep, tender question: What am I really pursuing?
Because what we chase reveals what we treasure.
And here lies the sobering reality—if we are not pursuing Christ, then sin, distractions, and the world are pursuing us. There is no neutral ground.
THE DANGER OF A DIVIDED HEART
Paul’s warning to Timothy is both pastoral and urgent: “But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.”—1 Timothy 6:11
Paul is telling Timothy—and us—not just to stop chasing the wrong things, but to run hard after the right things. Because the world’s offerings are never enough. Accomplishments leave us empty. Possessions demand more. Relationships cannot fill God's place. Even intellectual pursuits and ministry success never fully satisfy.
When our hearts run after anything but Christ, a subtle but dangerous chasm forms—an insatiable appetite for “more” that can never be quenched.
Worse still, even “good” pursuits—charity, service, involvement in ministry—can quietly take the place of intimacy with Christ. We can give our time to serving Him while giving our hearts to something else. Are you serving more than you’re seeking? Giving more than you’re sitting at His feet? Doing more for Him than being with Him? The Enemy loves when believers burn themselves out doing good things… while neglecting the one thing that fuels all true ministry: a heart anchored in Jesus.
THE GIFT OF A SINGULAR PURSUIT
Jesus often withdrew from the crowds and took the disciples aside for intimate teaching (Matthew 24:3). The disciples were busy—overwhelmed at times by the demands of ministry. But Jesus called them close, again and again, reminding them that the strength to serve must flow from the place of communion.
And in Martha’s busy hands and Mary’s quiet adoration, Jesus made His priorities unmistakably clear: “Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41–42
Christ does not merely want our service—He wants us. Our attention, our affection, our companionship.
When we pursue Him—not His blessings, not His answers, not His gifts—He fills our hearts with the only joy that satisfies. Our desires shift. Our pursuits realign. Our lives find wholeness. Out of that intimacy flows the kind of service that is fruitful, holy, sustainable, and Spirit-driven.
Pursue Christ Himself.He alone satisfies.
And like Nabo racing after her beloved treasure, may your heart be fully, joyfully, single-mindedly chasing after the One who first pursued you.
JOURNALING PROMPTS
1. What am I currently chasing?Write honestly—what occupies your thoughts, your energy, your desires?
2. Does my schedule reflect a pursuit of Christ or a pursuit of accomplishment?
3. In what ways might “good things” be overshadowing my intimacy with Jesus?
4. What would my life look like if Christ were my highest pursuit this week?
5. Ask the Holy Spirit: “Create in me a heart that yearns for Jesus more than anything else.” Listen—what does He whisper back?
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, You alone are worthy of my deepest pursuit. Forgive me for the ways I have chased after lesser things—things that cannot satisfy, things that have distracted my heart from You. Reorder my desires. Renew my affections. Give me a heart that longs for Your presence above all else. Teach me to sit at Your feet, to listen to Your voice, and to walk in Your steps. Fill me until my life overflows with righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.I choose today to pursue You.You are my treasure, my joy, and my reward.Amen.