To pursue a particular aim or result means you make persistent efforts to achieve it, often over a long period of time; to pursue also means to seek or strive to attain (some object, desire, etc); to try to find, get, win; seek after; to chase; to go on; to continue with something. A quick scan through the scriptures shows us 10 clear things that we should pursue passionately on a daily basis for the rest of our lives as followers of Christ:
1. Peace: Continually pursue peace with everyone, and the sanctification without which no one will ever see the Lord (Heb. 12:14). Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart (2 Tim. 2:22). So then, let us pursue [with enthusiasm] the things which make for peace and the building up of one another [things which lead to spiritual growth] (Rom. 14:19).
2. Holiness: Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord (Heb. 12:14).
3. Things that Edify/Build up/Strengthen/Encourage others: So then, let us pursue [with enthusiasm] the things which make for peace and the building up of one another [things which lead to spiritual growth] (Rom. 14:19).
4. Love: Pursue love [with eagerness, make it your goal], yet earnestly desire and cultivate the spiritual gifts [to be used by believers for the benefit of the church], but especially that you may prophesy (1 Cor. 14:1). Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart (2 Tim 2:22).
5. That which is good for all: See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all (1 Thess. 5:15).
6. Righteousness: But as for you, O man of God, flee from these things; aim at and pursue righteousness [true goodness, moral conformity to the character of God], godliness [the fear of God], faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness (1 Tim 6:11). Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart (2 Tim 2:22).
7. Godliness: But as for you, O man of God, flee from all these things (craving to be rich, foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition); aim at and pursue righteousness (right standing with God and true goodness), godliness (which is the loving fear of God and being Christlike), faith, love, steadfastness (patience), and gentleness of heart. (1 Tim 6:11)
8. Faith: But you, man of God, flee from these things, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness (1 Tim 6:11). Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart (2 Tim 2:22).
9. Patience/ Steadfastness/ Endurance: But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. (1 Tim 6:11)
10. Gentleness/ Meekness: But as for you, man of God, run away from all these things. Instead, pursue righteousness, holy living, faithfulness, love, endurance, and gentleness (1 Tim 6:11).
