What does it mean to hunger and thirst for righteousness?

Hungering and thirsting for righteousness is a profound and evocative phrase that Jesus uses in the Beatitudes, specifically in Matthew 5:6: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." This imagery of hunger and thirst captures a deep, intense longing and need, akin to the physical sensations we experience when deprived of food and water. But what does it mean to hunger and thirst for righteousness in a spiritual sense? Let's delve into this concept from a non-denominational Christian perspective.

To begin, it is essential to understand the biblical context of righteousness. In the Bible, righteousness is often synonymous with being in a right relationship with God, living according to His will and commands. It encompasses both personal holiness and social justice, reflecting God's character in our lives and in the world around us. The Old Testament frequently speaks of righteousness in terms of covenant faithfulness, where the people of Israel are called to live in obedience to God's laws. In the New Testament, righteousness is closely associated with the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, who embodies perfect righteousness and calls His followers to do the same.

Hungering and thirsting for righteousness, therefore, implies a deep, insatiable desire to live in accordance with God's will. It is a longing to be in right standing with God, to reflect His character, and to see His justice prevail in the world. This desire is not a passive wish but an active pursuit, much like how one would actively seek food and water when physically hungry or thirsty.

One of the key aspects of hungering and thirsting for righteousness is recognizing our own spiritual poverty and need for God. Jesus begins the Beatitudes with, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3). To hunger and thirst for righteousness, we must first acknowledge that we are spiritually impoverished and cannot achieve righteousness on our own. This humility and dependence on God are foundational to the Christian faith. As the Apostle Paul writes in Romans 3:10, "There is no one righteous, not even one." Our righteousness comes from God through faith in Jesus Christ, not from our own efforts.

This longing for righteousness also involves a transformation of our desires and priorities. When we hunger and thirst for righteousness, we are no longer satisfied with the fleeting pleasures and pursuits of this world. Instead, we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). This shift in focus requires a continual renewal of our minds and hearts, as Paul exhorts in Romans 12:2: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." As we grow in our relationship with God, our desires align more closely with His, and we become more attuned to His will.

Moreover, hungering and thirsting for righteousness involves a commitment to personal holiness. This means striving to live a life that is pleasing to God, characterized by obedience to His commands and a reflection of His character. In 1 Peter 1:15-16, we are called to be holy as God is holy: "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" This pursuit of holiness is not about legalism or self-righteousness but about a genuine desire to honor God and become more like Christ.

In addition to personal holiness, hungering and thirsting for righteousness also encompasses a passion for social justice. The Bible repeatedly emphasizes God's concern for the oppressed, the marginalized, and the vulnerable. In Isaiah 1:17, we are instructed to "learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow." Jesus Himself demonstrated this concern through His ministry, reaching out to the outcasts and challenging the injustices of His time. As followers of Christ, we are called to advocate for justice and work towards a world that reflects God's righteousness.

It is important to note that this pursuit of righteousness is not something we can achieve through our own strength. It is ultimately God who satisfies our hunger and thirst for righteousness. Jesus promises in Matthew 5:6 that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled. This filling comes through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live righteous lives and transforms us into the image of Christ. As Paul writes in Philippians 1:11, we are "filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God."

The writings of notable Christian thinkers also shed light on this profound concept. C.S. Lewis, in his book "Mere Christianity," discusses the idea of longing for something beyond this world. He argues that our deepest desires point us to God, the only one who can truly satisfy our hunger and thirst. Similarly, Augustine of Hippo famously wrote in his "Confessions," "You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you." These reflections underscore the idea that our longing for righteousness is ultimately a longing for God Himself.

In practical terms, how do we cultivate this hunger and thirst for righteousness in our daily lives? Firstly, it involves a commitment to prayer and the study of Scripture. Through prayer, we communicate with God, express our desires, and seek His guidance. The Bible, as God's revealed word, provides us with the knowledge of His will and the standards of righteousness. Psalm 119:105 declares, "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we allow God's truth to shape our desires and actions.

Secondly, it requires a community of believers who encourage and hold us accountable in our pursuit of righteousness. The Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts us to "consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another." Being part of a church community provides support, encouragement, and opportunities for growth in righteousness.

Thirdly, it involves practical acts of service and justice. As James 2:17 reminds us, "faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." Our hunger and thirst for righteousness should compel us to act on behalf of those in need, to seek justice, and to demonstrate God's love in tangible ways. Whether it is through volunteering, advocacy, or simply showing kindness to those around us, our actions should reflect our desire for righteousness.

Lastly, it involves a continual reliance on God's grace and the work of the Holy Spirit. We must recognize that our pursuit of righteousness is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey. Philippians 2:12-13 encourages us to "continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose." As we seek righteousness, we depend on God's grace to sustain us and the Holy Spirit to transform us.

In summary, to hunger and thirst for righteousness is to have a deep, intense longing to live in accordance with God's will, to reflect His character, and to see His justice prevail in the world. It involves recognizing our own spiritual poverty, transforming our desires and priorities, committing to personal holiness, and advocating for social justice. This pursuit is ultimately fulfilled by God, who satisfies our hunger and thirst through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. By committing to prayer, studying Scripture, engaging in community, performing acts of service, and relying on God's grace, we can cultivate this hunger and thirst for righteousness in our daily lives.