But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33, KJV)

ABSTRACT

This article delves into the enduring invitation to seek God amid moral decline and spiritual indifference, highlighting faith, submission, and communal support as vital for embodying His love, confronting apathy, and motivating action toward a profound connection with Him.

SEEKING THE LORD IN TIMES OF SPIRITUAL APATHY

In times of moral decay and spiritual apathy, the timeless call to “seek the Lord” rings as clearly now as it did in biblical days. Nehemiah 8:8 emphasizes the importance of understanding God’s Word, stating, “So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.” Scripture reveals that seeking God earnestly leads to discovery, as Deuteronomy 4:29 declares, “But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.” Psalm 105:4 further urges constant pursuit, “Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore.” Ellen G. White wrote that nature and revelation alike testify of God’s love, for our Father in heaven is the source of life, of wisdom, and of joy, and we should look at the wonderful and beautiful things of nature (Steps to Christ, p. 9, 1892). A passage from Patriarchs and Prophets reminds us that the history of the great conflict between good and evil, from the time it first began in heaven to the final overthrow of rebellion and the total eradication of sin, is also a demonstration of God’s unchanging love (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 33, 1890). This verse lays the foundation for our exploration of what it means to seek God sincerely in our modern world. This blog invites us to reflect on this call through the lens of principles, drawing on Scripture and writings. But how does the Bible urge us to prioritize spiritual growth in a world filled with distractions?

CALL QUEST BEGINS

The Bible frequently calls us to seek the Lord, urging us to prioritize spiritual growth over worldly distractions. Isaiah 55:6–7 exhorts, “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts.” This appeal underscores God’s readiness to forgive and restore. Clearly, seeking God demands turning from sin, as Hosea 10:12 instructs, “Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” Amos 5:4 proclaims, “For thus saith the LORD unto the house of Israel, Seek ye me, and ye shall live.” The inspired pen explains that sensuous pleasures, feasting, and drinking were causing physical diseases and degeneracy, benumbing the spiritual perceptions (The Desire of Ages, p. 101, 1898). A prophetic voice once wrote that the greatest want of the world is the want of men—men who will not be bought or sold (Education, p. 57, 1903). Like the society John the Baptist confronted, our world today is often enamored with comfort and indulgence. Yet, John’s example teaches us to forsake complacency and earnestly seek the Lord. This truth reminds us that seeking God transforms our perceptions and aligns us with His mercy. If we are honest with ourselves, how often do we let distractions dull our spiritual senses, and what steps can we take to embrace faith marked by total submission?

FAITH SUBMISSION SURGE

Seeking God involves embracing a faith marked by total submission to His will. This submission is not passive but requires active surrender. Sr. White writes that faith is trusting God—believing that He loves us and knows what is for our best good (Education, p. 253, 1903). Revealing His role clearly, God in Romans 8:28 assures, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Hebrews 11:6 declares, “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.” Through inspired counsel we are told that prayer and faith are closely allied, and they need to be studied together, for in the prayer of faith there is a divine science; it is a science that everyone who would make his lifework a success must understand (Education, p. 257, 1903). In Steps to Christ we read that God does not require us to give up anything that it is for our best interest to retain, for in all that He does he has the well-being of his own in view, and would that all who have not chosen Christ might realize that he has something vastly better to offer them than they are seeking for themselves (Steps to Christ, p. 46, 1892). Faith transforms prayer into an act of reliance rather than mere routine. Consider Jesus’ example in the Garden of Gethsemane when He prayed, “Not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42). This moment of submission challenges us to align our prayers with God’s purpose, trusting Him even when we cannot see the outcome. But how does this invitation mirror His immeasurable affection for humanity?

LOVE REFLECTION REVEALED

God’s invitation to seek Him reflects His immeasurable love for humanity. He desires our salvation and offers forgiveness freely. Isaiah 55:7 assures us, “He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” Christ, in John 15:13, exemplifies, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Ephesians 2:4-5 declares, “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved).” The inspired pen shares that we need to have far less confidence in what man can do and far more confidence in what God can do for every believing soul, for He longs to have you reach after Him by faith (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 146, 1900). A prophetic voice once wrote that our heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us, of which we know nothing (The Desire of Ages, p. 330, 1898). This truth reminds us that seeking the Lord is not about earning His favor but responding to His boundless love. As we seek Him, we experience transformation and restoration, reflecting His love to the world. But how does this pursuit become both personal and communal in our lives?

COMMUNITY ROLE RALLY

Seeking the Lord is both a personal and communal journey. Together, we are called to support one another in spiritual growth. Hebrews 10:24–25 urges us to “consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together.” Christ, in Acts 2:42, shows the early church, “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Galatians 6:2 instructs, “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Sr. White highlights the importance of community, stating that Christian life is not to be a solitary struggle, for we are called to be a part of the church (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7, p. 19, 1902). In Patriarchs and Prophets we read that God is love, and His nature, His law, is love, for it ever has been; it ever will be (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 33, 1890). We can create environments where individuals feel encouraged to seek the Lord wholeheartedly, fostering accountability and mutual growth. This shared pursuit strengthens our bonds and deepens our commitment to Him. But how do we confront the apathy that plagues our society today?

APATHY ADDRESS ALERT

Our modern society, like that of John the Baptist’s time, faces spiritual apathy. Many are weary, searching for meaning in fleeting pleasures. Amos 5:4 declares, “Seek ye me, and ye shall live,” a reminder that true life is found in God alone. Revelation 3:15-16 warns, “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” Zephaniah 1:12 describes, “And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The LORD will not do good, neither will he do evil.” Through inspired counsel we are told that it is not essential to the exercise of faith that the feelings should be wrought up to a high pitch of excitement; neither is it necessary, in order to gain the hearing of the Lord, that our petitions should be noisy, or attended with physical exercise (Gospel Workers, p. 90, 1915). A passage from Education reminds us that faith is trusting God—believing that He loves us and knows best what is for our good (Education, p. 253, 1903). This world needs individuals who stand for truth, pointing others to Christ. By addressing societal challenges with faith and compassion, we demonstrate God’s love in action. But how is this invitation rooted in His unwavering affection for us?

LOVE CALL REFLECTED

The call to seek the Lord is rooted in God’s unwavering love for humanity. His desire for us to draw near is not about enforcing rules but offering relationship and redemption. Sr. White writes that the love of Christ, manifested to us, is the golden chain by which we are bound to Him (Steps to Christ, p. 68, 1892). Romans 5:8 affirms, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” 1 John 4:19 states, “We love him, because he first loved us.” The inspired pen explains that it is not earthly rank, nor birth, nor nationality, nor religious privilege, which proves that we are members of the family of God; it is love, a love that embraces all humanity (The Great Controversy, p. 591, 1911). A prophetic voice once wrote that our heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us, of which we know nothing (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 164, 1900). When we seek God, we experience His mercy and transformation. This evidence of divine love reminds us of His ultimate purpose: to restore us to His image. Truly, His love compels us to respond with gratitude and action. But how can we practically evaluate our priorities to pursue this deeper relationship?

ACTION CALL AWAKENED

Seeking the Lord requires us to evaluate our priorities and pursue a deeper relationship with Him. Whether through prayer, community, or acts of faith, we are called to align our lives with His purpose. Let us take up this challenge together, knowing that God’s love empowers and sustains us. May we, like John the Baptist, boldly call others to seek the Lord, reflecting His love and grace in all we do. But how can we apply these truths in our personal lives and communities?

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into these truths about seeking God, allowing them to shape my character and priorities?

How can we adapt these complex themes about faith and love to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from seasoned church members to new seekers or those from different faith traditions, without compromising theological accuracy?

What are the most common misconceptions about seeking God in my community, and how can I gently but effectively correct them using Scripture and the writings of Sr. White?

In what practical ways can our local congregations and individual members become more vibrant beacons of truth and hope, living out the reality of God’s love and the call to seek Him earnestly?