Heb 12:14 (AFV) “Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.”
Once a man receives the New Birth experience, being BORN AGAIN, there are perhaps, two ways by which he can pursue holiness: through ABSTINENCE and PURSUANCE by the help of the Holy Spirit. By abstinence we mean not “indulging” oneself in any thing that can defile or pollute or contaminate one’s spirit, soul, and body. The Bible says, “Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1Th 5:22; KJV). 1Peter 2:11 (KJV) says, “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.” Avoid strife, bitterness, gossip, unforgiveness, and unnecessary conflicts. Love not the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1Jn. 2:15-16). Flee anything that draws attention to yourself (pride of life). Flee the lust of the eyes. Satan has opened the flood gates of lustful material, magazines, billboards, movies, and these days anything goes. These things are designed to inflame our passions negatively.
By “pursuance” we mean “carrying out” all biblical instructions out of sincere love for the LORD our God. Pursue means chase, go after, make active effort, don’t wait for it to happen on its own. Pursue the love of God. Jude 1:21 (KJV) says, “Keep yourselves in the love of God ...” 2John 1:6 (KJV) says, “And this is the love of God: that we walk according to His commandments.” To love the LORD with every passion of our heart, with all the energy of our being, and with every thought that is within us, is the first and most important commandment (Mat.22:37-38). Pursue the fear of the LORD. Proverbs 8:13 (KJV) says, “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil ...” Pursue peace with everyone. Let go of offenses quickly. Don’t repay evil for evil. Seek reconciliation where possible. Romans 12:18 (KJV) says, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”
Written by: Andrew A. Esemudje