Editorial August 11, 1923 Issue

Hungering and Thirsting After Righteousness

Duncan Sinclair

Each of the Beatitudes calls for the closest study and wisest application by all who are the professed followers of Christ Jesus, because they are the very embodiment of Christianity. They came from the lips of him who knew better than any one else who has ever lived on earth what man is and what man is capable of; from him who understood the law of God so perfectly that he could predict exactly what would follow its application by the sons of men. The "poor in spirit," he said, would possess the kingdom of heaven; the mourners would be comforted, and the meek "inherit the earth;" and then from the fourth beatitude there rings forth, in words wherein not a trace of doubt is to be found, the prophecy of the reward of righteous desire: "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled."

Righteousness! The word immediately brings to recollection such thoughts as purity of motive and deed; the life lived rightly and justly and free from guilt or sin; conformity to the lofty standard of goodness; rectitude; holiness. Righteousness entirely excludes its opposite, unrighteousness, — all that is associated with evil. There is no difficulty in clearly discerning between righteousness and unrighteousness; but has any one already attained to that mental condition demanded by the Nazarene when he said, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect"? The desire, however, is constant in the heart of every true follower of the Master to gain the summit of Christian excellence; for he knows that then, and then only. shall he "be filled." — spiritually satisfied.

The fourth beatitude declares that it is they who "do hunger and thirst after righteousness" who shall be filled or satisfied. Spiritual law always requires that certain conditions be complied with; otherwise, mankind cannot benefit from its activity. And may not to "hunger and thirst" here simply mean to be deeply desirous of? Then, is it not the sincere prayer for righteousness which reaches the throne of grace, and receives the answer of our heavenly Father-Mother God, — His reward of spiritual understanding and peace? Mrs. Eddy asks in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 2), "Are we benefited by praying?" And she replies in the next sentence, "Yes, the desire which goes forth hungering after righteousness is blessed of our Father, and it does not return unto us void." The requisite behind prayer is to "hunger and thirst after righteousness." Unless that condition be fulfilled, how can one expect one's prayer to reach the ear of Him who is infinite good? "It is the righteous prayer that avails with God," writes our Leader in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 33), "Whatever is wrong will receive its own reward."

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