Matthew 5:6
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
(NIV)
“Hunger and thirst for righteousness … ” – seems to imply that we should never be satisfied with our present spiritual state … doesn’t it?
“Will be filled” is future-tense. It’s something that will come to pass (I believe at the resurrection) – not something we’ve already achieved.
Very interesting – just the opposite of the picture Jesus paints of a Pharisee (Luke 18:10-14) who apparently believed he was already plenty righteous in God’s sight. Matthew 5:6 appears to me to have something to teach us about humility.
What do you think?
I have always found that verse to be one of the most encouraging in the Bible. I’m glad it said “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” rather than “Blessed are the righteous.” I don’t have it all “right” yet, but I sure want it.