Hunger And Thirst: Which?
Matthew 5
KJV
6+ Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
I was rereading what is popularly referred to as the “ sermon on the Mount ” on reaching this verse I paused to reflect , what you are about to read are my reflections
What does it mean to “ hunger and thirst after ?” Well it’s simple, one word sums it up; “passion” or “passionate”. To pursue something with a single mind, to be consumed, immersed with the thought of that “ something “ to give it all.
Beloved, life if not driven by a purpose, goal etc is worthless and unproductive! It is the purpose or goal that gives meaning to life.
To succeed in whatever one undertakes, the power (battery) that drives the success car is called “ hunger and thirst” or “ passion”
The question then is “ what are I living for ?” What am I committed to in life? What you are committed to is what defines you. What you “ hunger and thirst after” defines your life. What are you passionate about?
There are many things that men “ thirst and hunger after “. some thirst and hunger after love, money, fame, attention, beauty, friendship etc. some spiritual others material.
This reminds me of the words of a hymn, read how the writer expressed what he “ hungers and thirsts after “ ;
“Not for ease or worldly pleasure,
Not for fame my prayer shall be;
Gladly will I toil and suffer,
Only let me walk with Thee”.
Close to Thee, close to Thee,
Close to Thee, close to Thee;
Gladly will I toil and suffer,
Only let me walk with Thee.
Read how the writer of the book of Proverbs expressed his;
Proverbs 30:7-9
NIV
[7] “Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die: [8] Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.
[9] Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the Lord?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.
Read that of Paul;
Romans 10
KJV
1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
2 Corinthians 11
KJV
28+ Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
Beloved, among the many things that you’ll “ hunger and thirst after “ let one be “ righteousness “ as Jesus mentioned.
Righteousness is simply “ right -ness”; to be right. In all that you’ll attempt in life strive to do it to the best of your ability.
Whatever you’ll do to the best of your ability can never be wrong because you gave thought to it, applied all you know! Even if you were wrong, it would be understood and pardoned
Yes “hunger and thirst” not only after the material but also the moral and the spiritual!
The verse is a call and a challenge to strive for perfection, maturity etc in whatever you do. It is possible!
Matthew 5:6
NIV
[6] Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
My reflections