The Chase

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33

What motivates you? Do you have a passion and purpose for living? If so, is this purpose one that in the coming years will lead you to say, “I have made the right choices and done the right things?” Of all the things we can desire and chase after in this life, there is none that compare to the pursuit of Christ.

In Philippians 3:14 the Apostle Paul wrote, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” In Acts 20:24 he said, “I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” Paul understood what this “race” is all about. It is not a rat race to build up earthly accolades and treasures, but rather a journey into eternity.

We are all pursuing something because we are chasers by nature. God created within us a space that only He can fill. If we refuse to let Him do so, we will do anything and everything to try and satisfy the desire for more. He is the only One who can completely satisfy our souls. Without Him, the desire is insatiable. Worldly pleasures may temporarily ease the ache, but eventually they still leave us searching for the next quick fix. Money, relationships, success, popularity…none of this is enough. A good marriage, great kids, a meaningful career…none of this is enough either. Only Christ is enough.

We all run after something. The only question is: What are you chasing?

Give me one pure and holy passion.

Give me one meaningful obsession.

Give me one glorious ambition for my life,

to know and follow hard after You,

to grow as Your disciple in Your truth.

This world is empty, pale, and poor

compared to knowing You, my Lord.

Lead me on and I will run after You.

- Mark Altrogge in “Pure and Holy Passion”

Dear Father, I know my heart is designed to chase. And I want nothing more than to chase after you and what you have in store for me. Please give me the focus, the passion, and the perseverance to chase after only what you have for me. In Jesus' name, amen.