Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Matthew 5:6

 

Have you ever seen something so wrong that you say, “Somebody’s going to have to do something?” And have you ever gone a step further and wondered what could be done? …and could you help do it? Many individuals have an intense desire to make right the things that are wrong. They “hunger and thirst” for it. When these individuals follow through and make changes, they can cause amazing things to happen.

Jesus tells us that we who hunger for righteousness will be filled. Our hunger and thirst for what is right and good will be satisfied. Such a hunger – such a passion – can make life worth living. It can give us a reason for living – a purpose that’s healthy to have.

Many Christians of the past have taken action, working to correct what was wrong in their world. Tom Minnery, author of You Can’t Stay Silent tells us why Christians have taken a special interest. He wrote:

“The fact is, when hearts are changed by the gospel, sometimes those hearts begin to beat in new rhythms. These are the people who, renewed in Christ, begin to see with fresh eyes what is wrong, because the gospel has taught them what is right. They are the ones who cannot ignore what is happening around them, the ones who stand up and say, ‘Somebody has to do something!”

One example of a Christian who made big changes was 19th century English Member of Parliament William Wilberforce. Wilberforce worked for 20 years to persuade his fellow lawmakers to outlaw Britain’s slave trade. He fought tirelessly, in spite of multiple defeats, and poor health. The law he brought about was finally passed, three days before his death.

Listen to Wilberforce’s determination as he wrote: “If to be feelingly alive to the suffering of my fellow-creatures is to be a fanatic, I am one of the most incurable fanatics ever to be at large.” In an interesting choice of words, he expresses his compassion for whom he’s fighting.

Our hunger to make good replace the bad could lead to marvelous things. It can help us make much-needed changes in the world we live in. As Jesus said, it will bring satisfaction. But I can see another benefit. Changing things for the better will give us a sense of peace, knowing that what we’re working for is making a difference.

marja