Do You "Hunger and Thirst After Righteousness?"     
 

by Greg Gwin

 

Jesus taught: "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled" (Mt. 5:6). This verse describes an intense craving to be in a right relationship with God. The words that Jesus used here for "hunger" and "thirst" denote a level of intensity in desire that would be similar to the person who is about to starve to death, as versus a simple hunger pang; or a person about to die from dehydration, as versus someone who had a mild desire for something to drink. Christians often wrestle with a number of problems that could be easily resolved in our minds and removed from our lives if we simply asked the question: "Am I hungering and thirsting for righteousness?" For instance, the supposedly hard questions about social drinking, smoking, dancing, movie and TV watching, immodest clothes, bad language, etc., all just vanish in the face of this test. If I desire to be right with God at the same level as a starving man desires food, it will be simple to answer these challenges and do the right thing. Watch how neatly this divine principal works on the problem area of church attendance. Ask yourself, would a starving man pass up an opportunity to eat a good home cooked meal?" Answer: obviously not! Why? Because he is starving!! Now, would a Christian who "hungers and thirsts for righteousness" pass up an opportunity to meet and study with other saints - to worship God and study His Word? Answer: certainly not! Why? Because he craves to maintain a right relationship with God, and such assemblies aid tremendously in that direction. You can see the idea here -- and the challenge is to make the application in every area of your life. Think!      Other Articles by Greg Gwin High Maintenance An Uncertain Sound You're Not Going to Change Me Complaints About the Church Did Jesus Use Carnal Methods to Attract Crowds? I Don't Love Her Anymore A Problem Area For Preachers The Mark of the Beast How to Know What God Wants Me to Do Role Models Would You Allow This?     For Past Auburn Beacons go to: www.aubeacon.com/Bulletins.htm   Anyone can join the mailing list for the Auburn Beacon! Send your request to: larryrouse@aubeacon.com