Ju; 23 – Seek Diligently!

“Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.” (1 Corinthians 14:1)

In this verse, the apostle Paul writes about what we ought to pursue, desire, and long for.

Imagine a woman entering a saree shop to buy one for a special occasion. The shopkeeper spreads out hundreds of sarees in front of her. Overwhelmed by the options, she is confused and unsure of which one to choose. That’s when the sales person brings out a nice saree and says, ‘Take this — it suits you well! This is selling like hot cakes! Everyone likes this! And we have only very few left!’. Such words influence her desire and help her to decide.

Similarly, Paul, after presenting the many blessings of Christ, the gifts of the Spirit, and the fruit of the Spirit, lovingly recommends one thing above all: “Pursue love; desire the gifts of the Spirit.”

Even at the end of 1 Corinthians chapter 12, he says, “Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you the most excellent way” (1 Corinthians 12:31).

Paul was a mature believer, seasoned apostle, and rich in devotion. So his counsel carries much weight. And if we follow his guidance, we will surely be blessed.

Each person seeks different things. For instance, when choosing a life partner, some focus on wealth, some on income, some on family background, and others on physical beauty. But the Bible says, “A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies” (Proverbs 31:10).

Scripture also exhorts: “Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone” (Romans 12:17), and

“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy” (Hebrews 12:14).

Paul himself had one burning desire — to preach the Gospel. Not just in places where Christ was already known, but in places where His name had never been heard. He wrote: “And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man’s foundation” (Romans 15:20).

Dear child of God, what is it that you are seeking today?

Verse for further meditation: “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above… Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:1–2)