He came into the doctor’s office complaining of a headache, muscle cramps, and lightheadedness. The on duty nurse rushed to his side and grabbed his wrist to feel for sweat and palpitations. After a brief series of questions and examination, the diagnosis was dehydration. Dehydration is the lack of fluids not introduced into the body and that lack can lead to serious diseases and ailments. If we do not have a thirst for and consume liquids, namely water, we can become dehydrated.

If we do not feed the body the proper diet of food we can become weak, sick, and emaciated. God has issued each of us only one body per customer and if we are to survive, taking care of it is a mandate from the giver [1].

The Holy Spirit resides in believers [2] and it behooves us to maintain a sanctified, holy, and righteous container in which He can dwell. Feeding our spirits is highly important as well in maintaining the integrity of our personal psyche. Beatitude number five dictates the result of the conditional phrase of hunger and thirst.

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. [Matthew 5:6 KJV]

My church is just starting a transformation series which will go for several weeks. The entire congregation will split off into groups and study this topic together. The base Scripture is Romans 12:1, 2. Then the pastor will preach on that week’s lesson on Sunday. So far, the second preliminary Sunday message covered the act of goals. The idea is that you will head toward the goal that you have in mind.

Therefore, if we are to emulate Christ in our lives and to others, then we must hunger and thirst for Him and His righteousness [3]. It is a sign of faith and it is impossible to please God without faith [4]. St Augustine called the Beatitudes the ideal for every Christian life.

Hunger and thirst for Christ and His righteousness are the operative words for today. Just going to church on Sunday and playing with the world during the week is not what Christ had in mind as He spoke to the disciples/crowds on the hill in Matthew 5:6.

It is up to us brothers and sisters to bring the Gospel to a dying world. We all have a sphere of influence, but have no fear [5], the Lord is an ever present help to us [6]. “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,” declares the Lord [7].
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[1] 1 Corinthians 6:18-20; Romans 12:1; 1 Corinthians 9:27; 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17; Romans 6:13, and others.
[2] 1 Corinthians 3:16
[3] But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33 KJV
[4] Hebrews 11:6
[5] Isaiah 41:10
[6] Psalms 46:1
[7] Jeremiah 1:8 KJV