“But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.” (1Tim 6:11)

“Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2Tim 2:22)

Striving for Selfless Love.
As I walk through this life, I’m learning that selfless love is the heartbeat of what it means to follow Christ. The New Testament tells me to pursue love (agape, the kind of love that puts others first) as Paul urges in 1 Corinthians 14:1, “Pursue love,” and 1 Corinthians 10:24, “Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being.” I see this love woven into the virtues of 1 Timothy 6:11 and 2 Timothy 2:22, where love stands alongside righteousness, faith, and peace. Yet, I confess, loving selflessly doesn’t come naturally to me. It’s a daily choice to set aside my own desires and seek the good of those around me.

This pursuit matters deeply because love is the foundation of God’s kingdom. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13:13 that love is greater than faith or hope, and I’m beginning to understand why. When I choose to love others (whether through a kind word, a listening ear, or an act of hospitality like Romans 12:13 encourages) I reflect Christ’s heart. Every effort to encourage others flows from this love. But I stumble often. My selfishness creeps in, and I need God’s grace to soften my heart, to help me embody the gentleness of 1 Timothy 6:11 or the peace of 2 Timothy 2:22 in my relationships.

Striving for selfless love changes me. It pushes me to forgive when I’d rather hold a grudge, to serve when I’m tired, and to prioritize others’ needs over my own comfort. It’s humbling to realize how far I fall short, yet I find joy in small steps, like a kind word to a neighbor or praying for a struggling friend. This pursuit brightens the light of Christ in my heart, showing the world a glimpse of Jesus’ love through my imperfect efforts. I keep chasing selflessness to make my love more like God’s.

Seeking God; Aspiring to Excellence (Godliness and Holiness)
In my walk with Christ, I’m learning to aspire to excellence through godliness and holiness, though I often feel unworthy of such a high calling. 1 Timothy 6:11 urges me to pursue godliness, a life of devotion to God, while Hebrews 12:14 says to “pursue… holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” These virtues connect to the righteousness and faith in 1 Timothy 6:11 and 2 Timothy 2:22, and they echo the urging to seek “things above” in Colossians 3:1-2. I’m far from perfect, but I long to reflect God’s character more each day.

This pursuit is crucial because it draws me closer to God Himself. Godliness means living with reverence, seeking His will in every decision, but I often get distracted by worldly concerns. Holiness, too, challenges me to stand apart from sin and selfishness, as Hebrews 12:14 warns that without it, I won’t see God. This sobers me, reminding me that my efforts matter, not to earn salvation but to honor the One who saved me. These virtues shape my heart, teaching me to love what God loves and hate what He hates, aligning with the righteousness of both Timothy passages.

Aspiring to godliness and holiness is a humbling journey. I need the support of other saint, as 2 Timothy 2:22 suggests, pursuing these virtues “with those who call on the Lord.” Through prayer, Scripture, and accountability, I’m slowly growing, learning to forgive quickly, speak truthfully, and serve humbly. Each step feels like a battle, but it’s worth it to become more like Christ. As a saint, I seek this treasure of excellence, trusting God to refine me into His image, one faltering step at a time.

Seeking God; Longing for Eternal Life
As I seek to grow in faith, the hope of eternal life has become a treasure I hold dear, though I’m still learning to pursue it with the patience it demands. Romans 2:7 speaks of “eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality,” and I see this echoed in the patience and righteousness Paul pleads for in 1 Timothy 6:11 and 2 Timothy 2:22. I’m not there yet, my faith wavers, and my endurance falters, but I keep pressing forward, trusting God to sustain me.

This pursuit is vital because it anchors my life in something beyond the fleeting moments of this world. Eternal life isn’t just a future hope; it shapes how I live now. The urging to “patient continuance” in Romans 2:7 reminds me of the patience in 1 Timothy 6:11, compelling me to persevere through trials without giving up. I often grow weary, tempted to chase temporary comforts instead of God’s eternal reward. But when I fix my eyes on eternity, I find strength to choose righteousness, even when it’s costly, like forgiving an offense or staying faithful in difficult times.

Longing for eternal life humbles me. It is God’s gift through Christ to those who obey the gospel. Yet, I’m told to seek it by living uprightly, as 2 Timothy 2:22 encourages in pursuing righteousness. Each step, resisting temptation, serving others, or trusting God in hardship, feels like a deposit toward that eternal hope. It’s a slow, steady journey, and I rely on God’s mercy and His word to keep me faithful. This pursuit reminds me that my true home is with Him, forever.

Seeking God; Seeking the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness
As I grow in faith, I’m learning to make the kingdom of God and His righteousness my highest pursuit, though I often fall short of this priority. Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:33, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,” and Luke 12:31 tell me to focus on God’s rule and moral standard above all else. This aligns with the righteousness, faith, and godliness in 1 Timothy 6:11 and 2 Timothy 2:22, but I confess it’s a struggle to keep this first in my heart when life’s demands pull me in every direction.

This pursuit is the cornerstone of my faith because it reorients everything else. Jesus promises that when I seek God’s kingdom first, my needs will be met, freeing me from worry. But trusting this promise requires the faith of 1 Timothy 6:11 and 2 Timothy 2:22, believing God’s way is better than my own. Righteousness (living justly and obediently) isn’t just a rule to follow; it’s a reflection of God’s character, as is the godliness in 1 Timothy 6:11. I’m humbled by how often I prioritize my plans over God’s, yet His word directs me back to God’s seeking His way.

Seeking the kingdom means living differently, praying for God’s will, sharing the gospel, and standing for His truth, even when it’s unpopular. I stumble, chasing lesser things, but each time I refocus, through study, and service, I find purpose and peace. As a saint, I’m learning to seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness above all, trusting Him along the way.