THE PURSUIT

This post is part of the Christian Writer's blog chain. Our theme this month is "pursue" in honor of Father's Day and graduations. Please click on the links to the right to see what my friends have to say about this theme.

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We often think of the word "pursue" as involving a lofty endeavor. We pursue a goal, an achievement, a prize.

But the origin of the word pursue in 13th century Anglo French meant "to follow with hostile intent." Although we sometimes still use the word pursue to follow and track in order to overtake ("the kidnapper pursued his victim"), more often today the word is used to imply a higher purpose.

That original meaning though lends its sense of depth to the way we use the term pursue in the modern world.

As we pursue something of great meaning and value today, do we hold fast to the passion and depth of emotion behind our pursuit? Do we consciously allow that passion and depth of emotion to push us forward, urge us onward, following a path in order to overtake and then claim the prize?

In all areas of life, whatever we pursue, do we do so with deep intent? Do we pursue happiness to overtake it and claim it with passion? Do we do the same with everything that is important to us?

Do we, in fact, pursue life with the passion it is worthy of? Do we live each day according to the gift of grace and mercy given us by the Lord of Life? Do we follow the calling He has set out for us with the determination and persistence needed?

I confess I do not always live with passion. But I always live with direction, pursuing the life God has laid out for me--IF I FIRST seek His guidance. And then remain open to the leading of the Holy Spirit in me.

In fact, a much loftier and better thing to pursue would be to perfect the perpetual habit of seeking Him first.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we so want to live for you. Please show us the callings you desire for us. Open our hearts to your leading. Help us follow you as we pursue your goals for us. Let it be for your glory. Amen.

WHAT ABOUT YOU? What do you pursue with the depth of passion that hearkens to the 13th century definition? In what pursuit do you need more passion?

LIVING LARGE (Meditation Monday)

In the past few months, several Christian books have fallen into my lap. Christian agents, editors, friends and pastors have echoed their theme: God wants us to dream big dreams and live a large life for Him.

Many of us are prevented from dreaming big dreams because of fear. We fear putting our dreams above other things in life. We fear that we are incapable. We fear we will fail. We fear other people will laugh at our dreams. Or will laugh if we fail.

God gave us our one and only lives on this side of eternity in order to love and obey Him. And to bring Him glory in everything we do. Because He deserves all the glory we can give Him and more.

Marianne Williamson, in her “Everyday Grace” says: “I was meant to shine, as children do. I was born to make manifest the glory of God that is within me.”

Are we afraid to live large for God? Do we feel safer living a small life? Do we think if we live small, we will remain unnoticed?

God notices.

Sometimes we worry about our calling. We think, as Christians, we need to listen for that one big thing Jesus is calling us to do for Him. But could the word “calling” refer to something else? Something—in addition to or instead of—the one big thing?

Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 1:9 that God has called us to a fellowship with Jesus. God has “called us.” If He called us, isn’t that, too, a “calling”? We have been called to live for Him. Our calling may not necessarily be to “do one big thing” for Him. Perhaps our calling is to “live one big life” for Him.

Maybe it means both. But until such time as we hear God calling us to “one big thing” we’d sure better be living our “one big life” for Him.

We can dream big dreams. Not for pride or personal accomplishment. But because dreaming big, and working toward those big dreams, brings glory to Him. We can make manifest the glory of God within us.

For He is worthy.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, you know we have dreams. Help us have dreams for you. Thank you for this one and only life you have given to us on this side of eternity. Thank you for calling us. Help us live large for you today. Amen.

WHAT ABOUT YOU? Do you have dreams you are afraid to dream? What are they? What first step might you take today toward living large for God?