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“Seek and Ye Shall Find”

There is a saying often used when applied to looking for something like a set of keys, “It’s always in the last place you look”. This is because we usually stop looking for something when we find it.

In the Christian life we often stop “looking” because we think we have found “it”. Often we think of “it” as the accomplishment of some criteria such as baptism, church membership, having really repented, or said a specific prayer. These criteria are often associated with requirements to secure a place in heaven.

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: - Matthew 7:7

The context of this verse are good things God (our father) in heaven wishes to give to his children who ask. If we think of Christianity as just a way to get to heaven, we miss much of what the Christian life could be. The Christian life is fleshed out and lived with humility, gratitude, wisdom, truth, and love. If we are not seeking these from our heavenly father, then we can only live a shallow imitation of the Christian life.

Many of us feel inadequate to seek out the deeper things of the Lord. We can come to rely on a pastor or denomination to do the Christian “heavy lifting”. As a result we can drift into Christian inertia that sees little “seeking”.

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. - Hebrews 11:6

Here the word “seek” is ekzēteō and means to search out, investigate, crave, demand, enquire, seek after (carefully, diligently). It is in the present tense active which means continuing.

Our “seeking” can often involve us in prayer and bible study. We need to understand that our seeking is for God’s glory not our own. Those who pray that God would let them win the lottery, will probably be disappointed. Seeking may involve discomfort. For example, a prayer for humility might be answered with the loss of a good job so that we would have a heart made more sensitive and capable of a broader ministry to others.

“Seeking” starts when a Christian rises from the pew and begins to move (to use a sports metaphor, gets up from the bench and gets into the game). Often a person will decide to read a book of the bible. He may run across a verse that is difficult to understand. At this point the actions associated with seeking can be more evident. He can pray for wisdom, ask someone older and wiser, or search for a video, commentary, or web site. Often multiple options are undertaken. As the new seeker encounters opinions, he may also seek and develop discernment as he sifts through what he finds and, like the Bereans, compares it with truth. The whole process of growing in understanding and discernment is aided by the direction of the Holy Spirit.

Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. - John 14:17

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