Blessed are those who hunger
and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.”
Matthew 5:6
Hunger and thirst are
the body’s way of telling us that we are “empty.” Our natural response to
physical hunger and thirst is to seek food and water to satisfy our need. Each
Christian has an inner longing that only Christ’s righteousness can satisfy. But
we cannot be filled with righteousness if we are filled with self.
Throughout the
Scriptures God emphasizes that the one who longs for Him with all his heart
will find Him (Jer. 29:13). As we crave righteousness, we will repent of our
sin, and God will remove it from us. Our selfishness will be replaced by the
fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23). The Spirit will make
us to be like Christ.
Righteousness is not to
be taken lightly, nor is it easily attained. Holy God does not give His
righteousness to people indiscriminately. He gives it to those who know they
cannot live without it. Our desire for personal righteousness must be powerful,
all-consuming, dominating everything we do. Pursuing righteousness means that
we value the opinion of God far more than we treasure the opinions of people.
Righteousness is not
merely an absence of sin. It is allowing God to fill us with His holiness (Rom.
6:11). It is being like Christ. Jesus is our model of One who sought God’s
righteousness first, and then the Father glorified Him. We are not only to seek
the kingdom of God, but we are also to pursue His righteousness (Matt. 6:33).
If we will hunger and thirst for righteousness, we will be satisfied!
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