The Ministry of Pursuit

Christianity was never meant to be lived alone.  God gave the church to Christians as a gift so we could grow together in community.  When we stumble, fellow Christians are there to catch us.  When life is great, our friends are there to celebrate with us.

That’s why pursuit should be a discipline of every Christian.  At one point or another, all of us will wander.  We’ll all go off the deep end in some way or another…  

…somebody’s gonna drift in their relationship with their spouse.  

…somebody’s gonna go AWOL from church attendance.  

…somebody’s gonna start stomping on baby squirrels and sending pictures of Barry Manilow to the White House (you scoff, but I’m sure there’s someone out there…).

The point is, when a fellow believer drifts, it’s our responsibility to pursue.  Galatians 6:1 reminds us that “if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness.  Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.”  Ecclesiastes 4:10 says that “If one falls down, his friend can help him up.  But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!”

The purpose of pursuit is to redeem and restore.  Think about your circle of friends.  Who’s drifting?  Who’s left their first love?  Who do you need to pursue?

…even better, is someone trying to pursue you?  Are you letting them?

Pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up.