Read Matthew 5:6
Am I A Fool If I Starve Myself?
Verse 6 says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”
Being hungry and thirsty for righteousness is not about one’s physical well-being but about one’s spiritual well-being. What does it really mean to be hungry and thirsty for righteousness? What’s your best answer? I remember asking a teenager if he was a follower of Jesus and his response was, “Yeah, I go to church.” If that’s the best answer he could give, then something’s missing.
When I’m hungry and thirsty physically, I stop everything I’m doing and I get something to eat and drink. I’ll stop doing the most joyous things that I love to do in order to eat and drink: this includes hunting or playing some active games with my friends. In fact, if I didn’t eat for 7 days you’d think I was a fool or just plain stupid. But when you do pursue food and drink you’re satisfied. You compliment the chef, you loosen your belt and sit with such great satisfaction.
Why don’t we treat our spiritual body the same way? If I’m hungry and thirsty for God’s righteousness, I’m going to pursue it like there’s no tomorrow. I’ll stop doing even the most important and wonderful things that captivate me because nothing compares to the pursuit of God and his righteousness. Even my friends won’t stop my pursuit. What does this hunger and thirst look like?
1. It’s a pursuit of spiritual food first and that’s God’s WORD! It’s taking time daily to feed your soul or spirit. If you’re a fool for going 7 days without physical food and drink, then what are you if you go 7 days without spiritual food and drink? I’ll let you answer that. I read a saying that says, “7 days without God’s WORD makes one WEAK!”
2. It’s putting in practice what you learn. As you do this, you’ll find yourself having victory over areas of sin. There’s nothing more rewarding or satisfying than overcoming sin or temptations. It brings Joy to your soul. You feel good inside or even proud of yourself. Not in a prideful sense but with this attitude that says with God I can do this.
CHALLENGE:
Set a goal and commit to reading God’s word for the next 7 days. Write notes on how it can apply to your life, and put it into practice.
Added reading: Psalms 42:1-2 and Luke 8:19-21.
