What It Means to Pursue What Is Good
The Bible gives us a powerful call to action: to seek righteousness, humility, and to follow the Lord wholeheartedly. But what does that really mean? Let’s break it down in everyday language.
What Does It Mean to Seek the Lord?
Imagine you’ve lost something really important to you—a set of keys, your phone, or even a beloved keepsake. You wouldn’t just glance around casually; you’d search for it with focus, urgency, and persistence. Seeking the Lord works much the same way. It’s about actively looking for Him, through prayer, reflection, and living according to His teachings. Zephaniah 2:3 tells us: “Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, who do His commands; seek righteousness, seek humility.” This isn’t a one-time effort. It’s a lifestyle of searching for God’s presence in our lives and aligning ourselves with His will.
Righteousness: Chasing What Is Right
Deuteronomy 16:20 says, “Righteousness, and only righteousness you shall pursue.” The word “pursue” here isn’t passive—it’s active and determined. It implies effort, eagerness, and persistence. The truth is, righteousness—living a life that is right and just—isn’t always easy. There may be times when doing what’s right feels challenging or inconvenient. But the Bible tells us not to give up; righteousness is something worth chasing even when it requires sacrifice.
Isaiah 51:1 adds: “Hearken to me, you who pursue righteousness, you who seek the Lord.” This verse reminds us that seeking righteousness and seeking the Lord go hand in hand. When we devote ourselves to what is right, it brings us closer to Him.
Beyond Justice: Living with Kindness and Love
Seeking righteousness isn’t just about following rules or doing what’s fair. It’s about a deeper way of living that includes love and kindness. Micah 6:8 paints a beautiful picture: *“It has been told you, O man, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.”*
Justice means doing what’s fair, but loving kindness (or *ḥesed* in Hebrew) takes it a step further—it’s about showing compassion and care for others. When we walk humbly with God, we’re not focused on ourselves or our pride but on serving others and honoring Him with our actions.
Choosing Good Over Evil
The Bible also challenges us to actively choose good and turn away from evil, as seen in Amos 5:14-15: “Seek good and not evil… Hate evil and love good and establish justice in the gate.” This means making deliberate choices that bring goodness into the world, whether it’s helping a neighbor, standing up for what’s right, or even small acts of kindness that brighten someone’s day.
It’s not just about avoiding bad behavior—it’s about loving what is good so passionately that there’s no room for evil in our hearts.
What It Means to Love Righteousness
Loving righteousness isn’t just about doing what’s required. To love something implies passion, dedication, and joy. It’s not just checking off a box on a list of rules; it’s about transferring your focus from yourself to what God calls you to love—justice, kindness, and humility.
Think of it like falling in love with a hobby, a person, or a cause. When you truly love something, it becomes a part of who you are. You crave it, you think about it, and you put your energy into it. Loving righteousness means making it the center of your life, striving for it not out of obligation but because it fills your soul.
How Can You Start?
Here are some simple ways to begin seeking righteousness, humility, and the Lord in your daily life:
· Pray regularly: Talk to God, share your struggles, and ask Him to guide you toward righteousness.
· Read the Bible: Find verses that inspire you and teach you how to live according to God’s ways.
· Do small acts of kindness: Help someone in need, lend a listening ear, or show patience and love to others.
· Reflect on your actions: At the end of each day, think about how your choices align with God’s teachings.
· Stay humble: Remember that seeking the Lord isn’t about proving yourself to others; it’s about honoring Him in everything you do.
Conclusion: A Journey Worth Pursuing
Seeking the Lord, pursuing righteousness, and choosing humility isn’t always easy, but it’s a journey that transforms your heart and brings you closer to God. As the Bible teaches, it’s not just about doing what’s right—it’s about loving what’s good and making it the foundation of your life. So, take small steps every day, and let your pursuit of righteousness be an act of love and devotion to the One who calls you to it.
Minister A Francine Green, April 2026
afrancinegreen.com 