What Are You Pursuing?

 Happy Friday, Friends!

I hope and trust this post finds you all having a great day as a glorious new day begins to dawn in my Sweet Home Alabama!

This week, I am going to try something a little different; let’s see how it works. This Happy Friday will be written mostly by AI. Now, if you just rolled your eyes, I would like to share what I have learned to date with you. AI is simply a tool. Whether that tool is used for good or for bad is up to the user. We are all tired of the fake pictures, stories, etc. As with anything, each of us will have to determine how to use it. I will say this: AI is here to stay; the sooner we all learn to use this tool in our personal and professional lives, the better we will be in the long run.

I am going to use AI to scan the internet for the information I desire this morning. Now, when I was learning about AI, we were taught that it is a great starting point and that you then need to go check your sources. Just being honest, I am not going to do that this morning. I am going to simply share the information and do everything I can to properly cite the sources.

Now, this all started with my memory verse last week. It is Proverbs 21: 21, which says, “Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor.”
There is a promise: “will find life, righteousness, and honor.” Who doesn’t want that? I know I sure do! So, the promise is preceded by a statement: “Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love.” Well heck, I am a “whoever,” and so are you! But what does it mean to pursue righteousness and unfailing love? I need to know because if I want life, righteousness, and honor, the Book of Wisdom tells me I must do so! This led me to AI. Here are the responses – with sources cited as good as I could.

The question I asked: “What does it mean to pursue righteousness?”

Here is the AI answer:
AI Overview
“To pursue righteousness primarily means making a proactive, intentional effort to live a life characterized by moral integrity, justice, and alignment with God's standards. Rather than a passive belief system, it requires actively chasing after holiness, doing what is right, and treating others with fairness and compassion.”
Sources: What Does It Mean to Pursue Righteousness at gotquestions.org; How to Pursue Righteousness: 11 Biblical Tips by A Woman Created On Purpose; Pursuit: Continually Devote at breadoflifechurchfresno.org; What Does It Mean to Pursue Righteousness by Christian Forums at Crosswalk.

“The Core Meaning

Active Pursuit: The word "pursue" implies effort, focus, and intentionality—like running a race or actively searching for something valuable.”
Sources: What it Means to Pursue Righteousness at KKHT 100.7 FM; Pursuit: Continually Devoted by breadoflifechurchfresno.org; Seeking God’s Righteousness by Like An Anchor; The Pursuit of Holiness by Cornerstone Community Church Singapore

“Moral Rightness: It involves doing things that are just, honest, and morally sound in everyday thoughts, words, and actions.”
Source: How to Pursue Righteousness: 11 Biblical Tips by A Woman Created On Purpose.

“Relationship with God: In a theological context, it is the pursuit of godliness and a state of being "right" with God. It involves submitting to His will rather than indulging in selfish or sinful behaviors.”
Sources: What Does It Mean to Pursue Righteousness at gotquestions.org; Flee Sin and Pursue Righteousness – But How? By Boundless.org.

“Practical Examples

Living out this pursuit on a daily basis typically includes:

Acting with integrity: Being honest and reliable in both public and private life, refusing to compromise your values for personal gain.

Practicing justice and mercy: Standing up for fairness, advocating for the vulnerable, and helping those in need.

Demonstrating compassion: Showing empathy, kindness, and forgiveness toward others.

Humility: Putting the needs of others before your own desires, and continually seeking personal and spiritual growth.”
Sources: How to Pursue Righteousness: 11 Biblical Tips by A Woman Created On Purpose; Why is it so important to pursue righteousness? 2 Timothy 2:22 by ActiveChristianity; What Does It Mean to Pursue Righteousness by Christian Forums at Crosswalk.

Then I asked: “What does it mean to pursue unfailing love?”

Here is the AI answer:
AI Overview
“To pursue unfailing love means to intentionally chase and live out a steadfast, unbreakable commitment that endures regardless of circumstances, flaws, or obstacles. The concept blends human devotion with grace, often taking on different meanings depending on whether it is viewed through a theological or a relational lens.

In a Theological or Spiritual Context
Historically and biblically, "unfailing love" translates to the Hebrew word chesed, which represents covenant loyalty, mercy, and loving-kindness.”
Sources: Psalm 36:7: God’s unfailing love is our refuge by CAP UK; Unfailing Love by Lydia Speaks; What defines unfailing love? By Bible Hub.

“It is not based on performance: It means God's love isn't earned by being perfect or lost when you make mistakes.

It is a pursuit of grace: Theologians often note that this love actively pursues the individual. For instance, in Psalm 23:6, the psalmist famously writes that "goodness and love will pursue [or follow] me all the days of my life." It means experiencing a divine love that actively seeks you out to offer refuge and peace.”
Sources: Facebook by Lisa Arrindell; What does it mean, “Surely your goodness and unfailing love…” by E-Bible; Unfailing Love by Lydia Speaks; Psalm 36:7: God’s unfailing love is our refuge by CAP UK; Pursuing Love & Loving by Looking at Christ.

“In Relationships and Human Action

When humans "pursue" unfailing love in friendships, marriages, or communities, it involves putting an active, sacrificial form of love (often referred to as agape) into daily practice.”
Sources: Pursue Love by Emmanuel Faith Community Church; What defines unfailing love by Bible Hub.

“Unwavering Commitment: It means choosing to stay dedicated, kind, and loyal even when the relationship hits a difficult season.

A Daily Choice: Unfailing love is not just a passive feeling that comes naturally. It requires intentional effort, forgiveness, and a desire to seek the well-being of the other person above your own natural tendencies.”
Sources: Pursue Love by Emmanuel Faith Community Church; What defines unfailing love by Bible Hub; What is true love by www.counsellingformen.com.au; Gods Love is Unfailing: YouTube by Evangelist Gabriel Fernandes; Love is Not Easy: Love’s Demands And Trials by Insight Timer.

See, AI does not have to be a bad thing; it can be used for great good! The question, the challenge, for all of us this morning is, “What will we pursue?” Both have a promised end!

I also want to pause for a moment and wish all the dads a “Happy Father’s Day.” And to all men, I implore you: please show up and honor your commitments and priorities every day!

Please feel free to contact me at any time if there is ever anything I can do for you or your family. I will always help you any way I can. You can reach me at kevin@whatwillyourinfluence.com.

Have a great day, a wonderful weekend, please cherish your precious family, please be kind, and please stay well!

Kev