Hunger and Thirst

From the Experiencing God Day by Day devotionals:


"Hunger and thirst are the body's way of telling us that we are 'empty.' Our natural response to physical hunger and thirst is to seek food and water to satisfy our need. Each Christian has an inner longing that only Christ's righteousness can satisfy. But we cannot be filled with righteousness if we are filled with self. Throughout the Scriptures God emphasizes that the one who longs for Him with all his heart will find Him...


Our selfishness will be replaced by the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23). The Spirit will make us to be like Christ...


Righteousness is not to be taken lightly, nor is it easily attained...Our desire for personal righteousness must be powerful, all-consuming, dominating everything we do. Pursuing righteousness means that we value the opinion of God far more than we treasure the opinions of people. 


Righteousness is not merely an absence of sin. It is allowing God to fill us with His holiness."