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.
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...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.