Endless Quest

The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite, But the stomach of the wicked is in need. (Proverbs 13:25 NAS)

As I was not a brilliant student, I spent much of my time in the relentless pursuit of reading as many books as possible in my attempt to get good grades during my high school days. Consequently, I neglected my duties as a youth ministry leader and Bible study in church. 

Then one day, the pastor-in-charge of the youth ministry approached me. Quoting the verse Ecclesiastes 12:12, he read to me “But beyond this, my son, be warned: the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body.” His advice for me: let God work His plan in my life to balance my studies and service in the Lord.

Devoting ourselves to books or something else that means a lot to us is of course nothing wrong. Many of us pursue after things of our own desire, interest or to better ourselves. Whether it is wisdom, knowledge, fame, popularity, beauty, wealth, a hobby or things that are ‘in’ or ‘hot’ at this point of time, we can enjoy what we like doing. When our pursuit becomes relentless, and sometimes endless, just to satisfy our appetites, whim or ego, however, such can distract us from what really is important.

Are we in endless pursuit to satisfy our desires and appetites? Are we frequently feeling we are not having enough and always asking God for more? The Bible says to delight ourselves in the LORD and He will give us the desires of our heart (Psalm 37:4). Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to us (Matthew 6:33; Luke 12:31). For the righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite, but the stomach of the wicked suffers want (Proverbs 13:25).

So let us set our priorities right. If we seek to pursue after our own foolish and harmful desires, be aware that like those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare, we might plunge ourselves into ruin and destruction (1 Timothy 6:9). For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh, and they are in conflict with each other that we may not do whatever we want (Galatians 5:17).

Taking the advice of my pastor, I chose to seek God first and God saw to it that my grades were better than before. What is our choice today in our endless pursuit to do better or to satisfy our heart’s desires?

Dear God, forgive us for the many times we fail to set our priorities right in our endless pursuit to satisfy our own foolish and harmful desires. Help us Lord to always put You first in all we do and to delight ourselves in You to fulfill Your will. Guide us Holy Spirit so we might not set our desire against You in doing the things we please. Lead us O God that we might not fall into temptation or a snare, but seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness.