HUNGER FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS

Hunger for Righteousness

Matt.5:6 tells us that we will be filled and have deep spiritual joy if we hunger and thirst for righteousness.  2 Tim.2:15 instructs us to study God’s Word to be approved by God.  Ps.119:105 reveals God’s Word as a lamp to guide our way in life.  Some considerations follow.

There is a type of study that we might call extra-curricular.  It is interesting and entertaining to work puzzles and word-finds that lead us through the Bible.  Certainly it is more profitable than those of TV shows or movies or sports.  It is good to know the prophets and kings with their battles.  The prophets give us many insights into how the Scripture unfolds.  Fill-in-the-blank books also give us a knowledge of the Bible.  Can you remember the fact you found last year?  Has it made you more righteous?

Many devotion books are also available.  These can give us inspiring stories and illustrations that point us to God.  Some are much deeper in thought content while some teach social graces.

Would it be possible that we become so involved with factual knowledge that we loose sight of the spiritual aspects of living a godly life to glorify God.  All of the above are excellent; however, we also need to keep close to the gospels and epistles with a humble heart and a spirit of meditation and prayer that we may apply these things to our hearts daily.  We may “know” the fruit of the spirit, etc. but just knowing is not enough.  We need that frequent application to our hearts—that attempt to see ourselves as God sees us that we may glorify Him.  We forget so soon.

Some good Scriptures for meditation follow.  Be honest with yourself.  God knows.

            Rom.6:11-16;  Rom.12:1,2;  Rom.12:9-21

            1 Cor.6:19,20;  1 Cor.13:4-7;  1 Cor.15:57,58

            Gal.5:15-26

            Eph.4:29-32;  Eph.6:7-18

            Phil.2:3-14;  Phil.4:4-8

            Col.3:12-17,23

            1 Thess.3:12,13;  1 Thess.5:15-23

            1 Tim.6:6-12

            2 Tim.2:22-24

            Heb.2:1-3;  Heb.12:11-15

            Jam.1:19-27;  Jam.3:10-18;  Jam.4:7-12

            1 Pet.3:8-12;  1 Pet.5:5-8

            2 dPet.1:4-10’ 

            1 Jhn. 2:9-11;  1 Jhn.3:14-18;  1 Jhn.4:20,21

There are many other passages and single verses.  This does not pretend to be exhaustive.

It is only a beginning to grow into godliness. Once isn’t enough—over and over!