“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God” (Hebrews 12:14-15).
The Greek verb dioko which is translated “pursue” here is translated in other contexts as “persecute” (see Matthew 5:10-12; Acts 9:4-5, for example). This is because the verb denotes the idea of rapid, purposeful movement done with great eagerness and intensity.
Would you say you are quite passionate about peace? What about holiness?
A casual interest in peace or holiness will not result in spiritual success. All it does is make you a straggling spiritual runner who increasingly falls off the vigorous pace necessary for victory in Jesus.
God’s grace requires sober, righteous, and godly living (Titus 2:11-12). Vigorously pursuing peace with others and holiness before God are not optional.
