What Jesus said about ... holiness (righteousness)
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." Matthew 5:6
This is a teaching which Christ returned to time and again. He taught that we should seek to be right, (holy), in the eyes of God. He was talking to an audience at the time, (and now), who were more concerned with self, looking after themselves and their families and getting rich or better off in the process. People were not so much focussed on God or the teachings of the prophets. One could argue that even their leaders like the Pharisees, Saducees and scribes were more interested in self rather than holiness and guiding their followers to Heaven. Witness how many times they upheld the "law" rather than acting holy towards people suffering and in need.
Does this remind you of modern living today? How many people do you know that you would describe as "holy" or "righteous" in the eyes of God and society in general?
But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)
For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the Kingdom of Heaven. (Matthew 5:20)
NOTE: This post is part of a series of articles entitled "What Jesus said about ..." If you click the label "What Jesus said" at the end of the article you'll be able to access all the articles.
ReplyDeleteIf there are any topics you would like discussed in this series please write to me by clicking the "Contact us" tab at the top right of this page.
...in my humble opinion, righteousness does describe many today.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure I understand you, Tom. Are you saying there are many righteous people today? More than in the past?
DeleteGod bless.
I know of a few, yes. Whenever I think of those ordinary unassuming ladies, I realize how much I have yet to become. Nevertheless, with God, all things are possible!
ReplyDeleteTrue, there a still righteous holy people around; for us to emulate.
DeleteGod bless, Mevely.
I do understand what you are saying there. Yes, I do see it today. I too realize how much I have to work on myself as well.
ReplyDeleteIn a materialistic world around us, the temptations are such that holiness becomes very difficult.
DeleteGod bless you, Chatty Crone.
This world is so full of distractions and temptations, Victor, that a righteous man or woman can be hard to find. As Chatty Crone noted, it's something all of us have to work on in order to truly become God's righteous ambassadors of His kingdom. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteSadly, what you say is true, Martha. Prayers needed, I believe.
DeleteGod bless you and yours.
We are all works in progress so we need to pay attention to how we wish to behave and try an honour God the best way we can.
ReplyDeleteAmen. Well said, Bill.
DeleteGod bless always.
I going to have stand on Romans 3:22 which tells us that the righteousness of God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.
ReplyDeleteI believe!
I agree Debby. There can be no righteousness without faith.
DeleteGod bless my friend.
Thank you VIctor, for this encouraging and thought-provoking blog! I really appreciate how you point us back to what truly matters. Your words are a reminder to seek God's heart above all else.
ReplyDeleteThis verse came to mind as I was reading:
"But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe." – Romans 3:21-22
What a beautiful truth—that righteousness is not something we can earn, but a gift through faith in Him. Keep shining His light through your writing! 😊
Hi Aritha; thank you for visiting here and taking the time to comment. Much appreciated. Thanx for your kind words too. Please call again soon and often.
DeleteIndeed, righteousness is a gift from God received through faith. Many these days seem not to want this gift and deny His very existence.
God bless always.
People can act the part and appear righteous and say the right things but only God knows our hearts. :)
ReplyDeleteAmen.
DeleteGod bless, K.
This was so powerful, Victor.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sandi. God bless.
DeleteWe are so easily distracted, aren't we.
ReplyDeleteOften, we are.
DeleteGod bless, Mimi.
Love and kindness always. ❤️
ReplyDeleteGod bless, CM.
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