Go! And Pursue What Matters! Proverbs 21:21 Series

Go! And Pursue What Matters! Proverbs 21:21

Introduction: The Pursuit of What Truly Matters

Life is filled with pursuits. People chase after wealth, success, recognition, and comfort. But in the grand scheme of eternity, what truly matters? Proverbs 21:21 gives us divine wisdom about the right pursuit:

Proverbs 21:21 (NLT):"Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor."

This verse challenges us to evaluate our pursuits. Are we chasing after things that glorify God or things that will fade away? Today, we will explore three key pursuits that lead to the blessings of life, righteousness, and honor: pursuing righteousness, pursuing unfailing love, and pursuing God’s eternal rewards.

1. Pursue Righteousness: Living in Alignment with God

The Hebrew word for "righteousness" here is tsedaqah, which means justice, right standing, and moral integrity before God. Pursuing righteousness means living in obedience to God’s Word and seeking His will in all we do.

Abraham’s Faithful Walk

Genesis 15:6 (NLT):"And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith."

Abraham pursued righteousness by trusting in God’s promises, even when they seemed impossible. His faith was credited to him as righteousness, showing us that righteousness is not just about our actions but about a heart fully surrendered to God.

Application:

Align your life with God’s Word (Psalm 119:9-11).

Seek righteousness in daily choices (Matthew 6:33).

Trust God fully, even when His plans are unclear.

Pastor John Piper says, "Righteousness is not just avoiding sin, but actively pursuing the heart of God."

2. Pursue Unfailing Love: Living in God’s Grace and Mercy

The phrase "unfailing love" in Proverbs 21:21 is the Hebrew word chesed, which means steadfast love, mercy, and kindness. This is the same love God shows us—a covenantal, never-ending love that transforms our relationships with Him and others.

The Good Samaritan’s Compassion

Luke 10:33-34 (NLT):"Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them."

The Good Samaritan pursued chesed—unfailing love—by helping a stranger in need. He acted with selfless compassion, demonstrating the kind of love that God desires us to show.

Application:

Love others as Christ has loved you (John 13:34-35).

Show kindness and mercy even when it’s inconvenient.

Forgive as God has forgiven you (Ephesians 4:32).

Quote: Pastor Rick Warren states, "You will never be asked by God to forgive someone more than He has already forgiven you."

3. Pursue God’s Eternal Rewards: The Blessings of Life, Righteousness, and Honor

Proverbs 21:21 promises that those who pursue righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor. These are not just temporary rewards but eternal blessings.

Biblical Example: Paul’s Race Toward the Prize

Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT):"No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us."

Paul understood that the ultimate reward is not earthly success but eternal life with Christ. He ran his race with purpose, keeping his eyes on the prize.

Application:

Live with eternity in mind (Colossians 3:1-2).

Seek God’s approval over man’s (Galatians 1:10).

Finish your race well (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

Billy Graham said, "My home is in heaven. I’m just passing through this world."

Conclusion: A Call to Pursue What Truly Matters

Are you chasing after the things that matter most?

Pursue righteousness by living according to God’s Word.

Pursue unfailing love by showing kindness and mercy.

Pursue God’s eternal rewards by focusing on His promises.

God promises that when we pursue these things, we will find life, righteousness, and honor—both now and for eternity.

Invitation to Faith in Christ

Perhaps today, you realise you have been pursuing the wrong things. True righteousness and unfailing love can only be found in Jesus Christ. If you have never placed your faith in Him, now is the time.

Romans 10:9 (NLT):"If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

Will you surrender your life to Christ and begin the pursuit of what truly matters?