“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” (Mt 5:6)
Righteousness is holy and upright living, in accordance with God’s standard. God’s character is the definition and source of all righteousness. He is all holy, just and good; He is the standard of righteousness. Therefore, the righteousness of man is defined by doing what is right in God’s eyes.
To hunger means to be needy. It is joined with thirst. When man is spiritually reborn, he has a God-given hunger and thirst or inner passion for righteousness. This hunger and thirst continue throughout the life of the believer. The act of hungering and thirsting for righteousness is the by-product of a renewed life. We can become righteous in Christ and be led in the paths of righteousness through His presence within.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Mt 6:33)
The believer is to seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness, and then all these things (e.g., material things) shall be added unto him. Seeking the kingdom of God involves a continuous hunger and thirst for righteousness. We are not only to seek the kingdom of God in the sense that we set our minds on things above, but we must also seek holiness and righteousness.
Who is righteous? The one who practices the words of God and does what is right in the eyes of God. If we practice the words of God and do what is right in His eyes, God will grant us peace. If we study the Bible carefully, we can learn the righteousness of God. 2 Timothy 3:16 reads, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” When we listen to a teaching from the Bible, do we apply it immediately to our lives, or do we let it lie somewhere and then forget its importance for the survival of our soul? The righteous who meditate faithfully on God’s Word are those who prosper abundantly (Ps 1:1–3).
Jesus is God. He reveals God to us. Faith in Jesus Christ is the central belief of Christianity. To know Jesus is not just to know what He said and did, but to know His character and personality. We need to know God better and better, so that after accepting Christ as Lord of our life, we will continue to follow Jesus and His leadership. If we follow His examples and words, we shall walk in the paths of righteousness and find peace and contentment. Today, are we seeking righteousness?