In the biblical context, the term "pursuits" often refers to the endeavors, activities, or goals that individuals or groups actively seek or engage in. The Bible provides guidance on the nature of pursuits, emphasizing the importance of aligning them with God's will and purposes.

Spiritual Pursuits

The Bible encourages believers to prioritize spiritual pursuits over worldly ones. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus instructs, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." This verse underscores the importance of pursuing a relationship with God and living according to His principles as the primary focus of one's life.

The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in Philippians 3:13-14, where he writes, "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus." Here, Paul describes his pursuit of spiritual maturity and eternal reward as a central aim.

Worldly Pursuits

The Bible also addresses the dangers of pursuing worldly desires and material wealth. In 1 John 2:15-17, believers are warned, "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever."

Similarly, in Ecclesiastes, Solomon reflects on the futility of earthly pursuits, stating in Ecclesiastes 1:14, "I have seen all the works that are done under the sun, and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind." This highlights the transient nature of worldly achievements and the ultimate emptiness they bring when pursued apart from God.

Righteous Pursuits

The Bible commends the pursuit of righteousness, justice, and godliness. Proverbs 21:21 states, "He who pursues righteousness and loving devotion finds life, righteousness, and honor." This verse emphasizes the blessings that come from seeking to live a life that reflects God's character and values.

In 1 Timothy 6:11, Paul advises Timothy, "But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness." This exhortation highlights the virtues that should characterize the pursuits of a believer, contrasting them with the love of money and other worldly temptations.

Pursuits in Community

The Bible also speaks to the collective pursuits of communities and nations. In Micah 6:8, the prophet declares, "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" This verse calls for communal pursuits of justice, mercy, and humility, reflecting God's desires for societal conduct.

In the New Testament, the early church is depicted as pursuing fellowship, teaching, and prayer. Acts 2:42 describes, "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." This illustrates the communal pursuit of spiritual growth and unity among believers.

Conclusion

While the Bible acknowledges the various pursuits individuals may engage in, it consistently emphasizes the importance of aligning these pursuits with God's will and eternal purposes. Spiritual pursuits are prioritized, and believers are encouraged to seek righteousness, godliness, and community well-being, while being wary of the fleeting nature of worldly desires.4197. poreia -- a journey
... undertaking, progress. Word Origin from poreuomai Definition a journey
NASB Word Usage pursuits (1), way (1). journey, way. From ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4197.htm - 6k

The Choice of Pursuits.
... CHAPTER XXI THE CHOICE OF PURSUITS. "For what then was I born? ... The choice of positions
and pursuits in life is one important and responsible mission of home. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter xxi the choice of.htm

Doing Glory to God in Pursuits of the World.
... SERMON XI. Doing Glory to God in Pursuits of the World. "Whether, therefore,
ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon xi doing glory to.htm

Of Maris Bishop of Chalcedon; Julian Forbids Christians from ...
... Book III. Chapter XII."Of Maris Bishop of Chalcedon; Julian forbids
Christians from entering Literary Pursuits. About this time ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of scholasticus/chapter xii of maris bishop of.htm

Whether it is Lawful for Clerics and Bishops to Fight?
... Thus according to human laws, soldiers who are deputed to warlike pursuits are
forbidden to engage in commerce [*Cod. xii, 35, De Re Milit.]. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is lawful for.htm

The World Our Enemy.
... By the world, then, is meant this course of things which we see carried on
by means of human agency, with all its duties and pursuits. ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon iii the world our.htm

Religion a Weariness to the Natural Man.
... how severe its voice! how forbidding its aspect! With what animation, on the contrary,
do you enter into the mere pursuits of time and the world! ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon ii religion a weariness.htm

On Counter Promises.
... things which seem to be corporeal, and so bestow his labour upon wisdom and science,
then he will undoubtedly direct all his attention towards pursuits of that ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter xi on counter promises.htm

These Words Speaketh Solomon, the Son of David the King and ...
... prophet most wise above all men. How vain and fruitless are the affairs of
men, and all pursuits that occupy man! For there is not one ...
/.../a metaphrase of the book of ecclesiastes/chapter i these words speaketh.htm

The Soul, as to Its Nature Uniform, but Its Faculties Variously ...
... It is sharpened by learned pursuits, by the sciences, the arts, by experimental
knowledge, business habits, and studies; it is blunted by ignorance, idle habits ...
/.../tertullian/a treatise on the soul/chapter xx the soul as to.htm

Letter X (In the Same Year) the Same, when Bishop
... Apostolate. So I have known many others who have been usefully raised to the
Episcopate, from the habits and pursuits of secular life. ...
/.../some letters of saint bernard abbot of clairvaux/letter x in the same.htm

Pursuits (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Pursuits (4 Occurrences). 2 ... perishes. So also will
the rich man fade away in his pursuits. (WEB NAS RSV). ...
/p/pursuits.htm - 7k

Agriculture
... AGRICULTURAL PURSUITS 1. Growing of Grain (1) Plowing and Sowing (2) Reaping (3)
Threshing 2. Care of Vineyards 3. Raising of Flocks I. Development of ...
/a/agriculture.htm - 27k

Pursuit (35 Occurrences)
... 3. (vt) Course of business or occupation; continued employment with a view to same
end; as, mercantile pursuits; a literary pursuit. 4. (vt) Prosecution. ...
/p/pursuit.htm - 17k

Josephus
... worldly goods by lavish imperial patronage. He was thus enabled to devote himself
to literary pursuits. 3. Works: The works of Josephus ...
/j/josephus.htm - 13k

Gad (78 Occurrences)
... The tribes of Reuben and Gad continued all through their history to follow
the pastoral pursuits of the patriarchs (Numbers 32:1-5). ...
/g/gad.htm - 49k

Withers (20 Occurrences)
... the beauty of its appearance perishes. So also will the rich man fade away
in his pursuits. (WEB NAS RSV NIV). 1 Peter 1:24 For, "All ...
/w/withers.htm - 11k

Wise (422 Occurrences)
... with no disapproval. These great men could be trusted to avoid the moral
and religious pitfalls of such pursuits. For the ordinary ...
/w/wise.htm - 40k

Fade (16 Occurrences)
... of its appearance perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in his
pursuits. (WEB KJV WEY ASV WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). 1 Peter 1 ...
/f/fade.htm - 13k

Flavius
... worldly goods by lavish imperial patronage. He was thus enabled to devote himself
to literary pursuits. 3. Works: The works of Josephus ...
/f/flavius.htm - 13k

Flower (33 Occurrences)
... its appearance perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in his pursuits.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). 1 Peter ...
/f/flower.htm - 18k

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