CONNECTING POINT: Hunger Pangs

Have you ever had to deal with true hunger pangs? Honestly, in my lifetime, the answer is a firm “no.” Of course, there have been moments, especially in my teen years, where I used a possible exaggerated expression like “Mom, I’m starving, and if I don’t get some food now, I will die!” Fast forward to today, I’ve tried something similar with my wife, lol! Every few nights of the week, I find myself bored, looking aimlessly into the fridge or the empty cookie jar.

Within this audience, I estimate that very few of us deal with starvation or hunger. As Americans, we have an over-abundance of food choices, certainly we don’t suffer from malnutrition.

Jesus often spoke in parables and utilized paradoxical statements to convey truth. This form of communication was effective in the first century and still is today. In Matthew 5 and Luke 6, Jesus speaks about how we are blessed to “hunger and thirst after righteousness.” Although physical nourishment is vital for life, Jesus makes the case that spiritual nourishment is of greater importance. However, the spiritual growth Jesus is discussing directly relates to righteousness with respect to our relationship with others and God. To hunger and thirst after righteousness, my friends is not about participating in a feel-good church service. Spiritual transformation digs deep into how we live, interact, and treat others.

Righteousness in English stems from the Hebrew word tzedakah and the Greek word dikaiosune, both of which describe ideas like justice, honesty, and generosity all relating to ways we treat others as well as with God. Jesus emphasized the Golden Rule, treating others like you want to be treated or even better.

In Matthew 6, Jesus continues by stating that we need to not worry about the food we eat and the clothes we wear because there is more to life. Worry can consume us and have harmful effects on our whole being. Jesus encourages us to put God’s kingdom first and seek righteousness. So, if we are to hunger and thirst for righteousness, we will adopt the many teachings of Jesus and experience life transformation, i.e., propelling our character to be changed into His likeness by how we treat others.

Physical hunger pangs are a barometer for our bodies, self-preservation, if you will. While hungering and thirsting after righteousness is directly opposed to self-fulfillment. Jesus’s methods are counter-intuitive to our natural desires, so we will face severe challenges if we desire to follow Him. We will learn to push aside personal gain and look out for the interests of others. Doing so comes at a cost.

Doctor Ben Tertain says that if we make it our goal to live by the beatitudes of Jesus, “He promises that our hunger for this way of life will not leave us wanting: ‘How good is life for those who hunger and thirst for right relationships, because they will be satisfied’ (Matt. 5:6, BPT). Did you catch it? He’s saying that if we become hungry for true righteousness, we learn to relate well with others, and we will eventually be satisfied. Pursuing this goal should be the major priority of our life, that is, if we call ourselves Christians.

What is it that you look for as satisfaction in life? I would propose considering Jesus’ rationale if you’re interested in something that stands the test of time.