pur·sue: follow (someone or something) in order to catch or attack them. (of a person or way) continue or proceed along (a path or route).
It is the things that we pursue that show our desire for what we truly value most importantly. And it is the things that we abandon that show the things we care less for. How we go after what we choose to pursue not only shows desire but a passion to have it in our lives.
To seek for God’s favor is to abandon our cares of what would make us feel favored in the world:
1 Timothy 6:9-11
9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
To seek for God is to abandon evil:
Proverbs 15:9 – The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
Psalm 34:14 – Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
1 Peter 3:11
11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
To seek for doing good leads us from doing bad:
1 Corinthians 14:1– Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
Proverbs 11:19
19 As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.
To seek for the welfare of others abandons our own selfishness:
Romans 14:19
19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.