Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Merriam-Webster dictionary defines righteousness as acting in accordance with divine or moral law. Simply put, a righteous person will enthusiastically pursue the Ten Commandments and teachings of scripture with diligence and fortitude. Even when the tide of the times is pushing the other way, a righteous person will persist in doing “right”.
Now the Pharisees and religious leaders of Jesus’ time certainly appeared righteous in all manner of word and action. Yet, Jesus saved his harshest rebukes for these individuals. Why not cut them some slack for their overzealous interpretation and implementation of the law? After all, these men were seen as the “best of the best” in the religious order of their day! Kind of a Top Gun elite of religious practice. Jesus, however, knew the hearts of these men. He instinctively knew that the term “self-righteous” was a better description of their hearts.
To hunger and thirst for righteousness involves soul-searching and humility. It means that actions and words are continually measured in accordance with the teachings of Jesus. And, I think that truly righteous actions are always enveloped in love. True righteousness is not judgy or rule-driven, but rooted in love and grace. The end result for us? The fulfillment of knowing that we are living in step with God.
Dear Lord, may I seek “right” always! May I continually measure my words and actions by the yardstick of your life on earth.
Blessings in the week to come!
Diana
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