Are You Searching or Seeking
Sunday’s Monday
Are You Searching or Seeking
How many times have you been searching for something and were elated once you finally found it? I have been there myself and felt that same fleeting feeling of elation. Fleeting being the key word here because once my search found success, my passion dwindled until it was no more. Dictionary.com reads; search- to go or look through (a place, area, etc.) carefully in order to find something missing or lost: the King James Bible Dictionary reads; search- to look over or through for the purpose of finding something; to explore; to examine by inspection; as, to search the house for a book; to search the wood for a thief. Interesting as to how close in definition the two are.
However, this is where the education starts. Dictionary.com reads; seek- to go in search or quest of, the King James Bible Dictionary reads; seek- to go in search or quest of; to look for; to search for by going from place to place. Again, almost a direct match between the two references at the hands of man. Nonetheless, when God gave me guidance as to where to look, I found myself listening to a free English lesson on YouTube. The young lady teaching the class explained, seeking is looking for, something you can’t see or touch, it’s intangible. Example; seeking legal advice, employment, peace, etc. Whereas when you search, you are looking for an object, a place or thing. Example; searching for my car key, my friend, a town, etc. John 5:39-40 (ESV), 39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.
I closely examine my heart to find my personal difference between the two words and I was reminded of Matthew 6:33 (ESV) But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Another is, Jeremiah 29:13 (ESV), You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. The main thing I believe which separates searching from seeking is “PASSION”! Think with me about the last time you were searching for something for something, once found the quest is ended whereas seeking after something, once you found it, not only is the discovery pleasurable, it is also consuming, in that a desired is developed for the next level! More depth, information, understanding, enjoyment, fulfillment, intrigue and / or whatever your next level might be to you.
In light of the fact that our passion in seeking and our need for searching become solely our responsibility and we will be held accountable for our choices here. I’m reminded of how long it took for me to actually hear what my pastor was preaching, when he would say “sitting in church every Sunday will not make you a follower of Jesus, any more than sitting in your garage will make you a Buick.” The same holds true with God’s word, memorizing every word in the Holy Bible will not get anyone into Heaven, you must have a relationship with Jesus, as we are told in John 10:9 (ESV), I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. Sadly, a lot of Christians are practicing religion because they’ve learned to incorporate self-fulfilled passion in place of obedience to Jesus and religion creates a justifiable medium for such. Thus, they avoid seeking a loving, intimate relationship with Jesus. 1 Peter 1:14-16 (ESV), 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” As humans people search out the easier, more pleasing and comfortable way to disciple others. In which Satan is thankful for such! Even though Jesus tells us in, 1 Peter 2:21 (ESV), 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
Again, it is totally a personal decision that each of us have to make! Please ask yourself, am I searching for Jesus to be in my life, or seeking Jesus to rule over my life? If I’m searching for Jesus, I’m merely performing skits in a show that will build a persona for my earthly neighbors to marvel, envy and promote my status to those of power. However, If I’m seeking Jesus, I’m believing in faith for Him to rule and reign over my life, building my passion for Christ and compassion toward others. 1 John 4:16 (ESV), So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. God has given us a glimpse of the virtues in searching and seeking, in Revelation 3:15-16 (ESV), 15 “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth; (searching = no passion) and Proverbs 8:17 (ESV), I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me (Seeking = passionately).
It’s time to stop searching for a short cut into heaven and start seeking a personal relationship with Jesus, “to assure you get there.” Something that I’ve said for years now,” you will never enter into the presence of Jesus and come away unchanged!” Yes! He is that powerful! He can and will change you, if you’ll let Him!
HAVE A BLESSED WEEK BY BEING A BLESSING TO OTHERS!
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