NOT A TRIVIAL PURSUIT

Back in the early 1980s, a game was introduced that took the country by storm. The
name of that game? Trivial Pursuit. The gist of the game revolves around a player’s ability
to accurately answer questions dealing with entertaining or enjoyable trivia and culture. As
time has passed, over one hundred different editions of the popular game have developed,
including one on Bible trivia.

In considering the Bible edition, I would like us to make a clear distinction. The Bible
is God’s holy word, and is not a “trivial pursuit.” We must take it seriously and do what it
says. Take note of some of the things Scripture teaches us to pursue. In Paul’s letter to the
saints in Rome, he tells them “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace
and the things by which one may edify another” (Romans 14:19). In a similar vein, Paul
instructs the church in Thessalonica to “always pursue what is good both for yourselves and
for all” (1 Thessalonians 5:15). And on two occasions, Paul gives instruction to his true and
beloved son in the faith, Timothy, to “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience,
gentleness” (1 Timothy 6:11), and “pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who
call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22).

We can see that searching the Scriptures and seeking to do what they say is
definitely no “trivial pursuit.” As a matter of fact, it’s of the utmost importance, for as we
are reminded in Hebrews 12:14, “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which
no one will see the Lord.”