In the Christian faith, the pursuit of Jesus Christ is a central tenet, yet the intentions behind this pursuit are of paramount importance. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that emphasize the necessity of seeking Jesus with a pure heart and genuine motives.

Biblical Examples and Teachings

1. The Rich Young Ruler (Mark 10:17-22): This passage illustrates an individual who approached Jesus with a question about eternal life. While his inquiry seemed sincere, Jesus discerned his attachment to wealth. The young man's inability to part with his possessions revealed that his intentions were not fully aligned with the sacrificial demands of discipleship. Jesus' response underscores the need for a heart wholly devoted to God: "Go, sell everything you own and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me" (Mark 10:21).

2. The Crowds Following Jesus (John 6:24-27): After the feeding of the 5,000, many sought Jesus, but He admonished them for their materialistic motives: "Truly, truly, I tell you, it is not because you saw these signs that you are looking for Me, but because you ate the loaves and had your fill" (John 6:26). Jesus urged them to seek the "food that endures to eternal life" (John 6:27), highlighting the importance of spiritual over temporal pursuits.

3. Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42): In this account, Martha was distracted by her service, while Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to His teaching. Jesus commended Mary for choosing "the good part" (Luke 10:42), illustrating that seeking Jesus with the right intentions involves prioritizing His presence and teachings over worldly concerns.

Heart Posture in Seeking Jesus

The Bible consistently teaches that the heart's posture is crucial when seeking Jesus. In Jeremiah 29:13, God promises, "You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart" . This verse emphasizes the necessity of a wholehearted pursuit, free from ulterior motives or divided loyalties.

Warnings Against Wrong Intentions

Scripture warns against seeking Jesus for selfish gain or personal glory. In Matthew 6:1, Jesus cautions, "Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them" . The Pharisees often sought public recognition rather than genuine relationship with God, serving as a cautionary example of misplaced intentions.

The Role of Faith and Humility

Faith and humility are essential components of seeking Jesus rightly. Hebrews 11:6 states, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him" . Humility, as demonstrated by the tax collector in Luke 18:13, who prayed, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner" , is vital for approaching Jesus with the right heart.

Conclusion

The Bible provides clear guidance on the importance of seeking Jesus with right intentions. Through examples, teachings, and warnings, believers are encouraged to pursue a relationship with Christ that is marked by sincerity, faith, and humility, ensuring that their motives align with the heart of God.