Whoever pursues righteousness and mercy
finds life, prosperity and honor. Proverbs 21:21, TLV

Pursue Righteousness and Mercy.  As this year draws to a close and we reflect upon 2021, what have we learned? What did we pursue? Our political opinions? Our opinions about the vaccine? Prosperity? A more normal life?

Today’s proverbs is a paradigm changer. It flies against the wind currents of opinions and pursuits that the world — or even our brothers and sisters in the LORD — proclaims as important. Our pursuits should be righteousness and mercy, only then will life, “prosperity,” and honor follow. When we pursue the outcomes and not the means, things become skewed.

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33, TLV

I find that when my pursuits are to be right, rather than pursuing righteousness I’m become angry. When I pursue perfection in myself or others, rather than mercy, I’m both angry and self-righteous. Why? Because I’m shuffling my accountability off of myself and shifting it to the world.  Too easy to do, yes?

As we prepare for a new year, perhaps we can set our pursuits toward righteousness when it comes to us, and mercy when it comes to others. Let’s follow GOD’s way rather than the world’s or our own, then see how 2022 looks.