“…I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you…” (Psalm 63:1)
By Steve Becker
The title for our video series “Working for Our Father” was an inspiration. It fits so well with our vision of being Christ in the workplace, no matter where we are, what we do, or what stage of life we’re in.
The fourth Beatitude is one that puts the emphasis on what we’re doing (hungering and thirsting) not the outcome (righteousness). This is because none of us can ever be sinless on our own. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Righteousness is a divine quality that comes out of “right standing” with him and his saving act. It is a divine quality that he wishes to bring to life daily in me. The righteousness he shares has a claim on my life. Paul drives the point home in verse 10: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
We have work to do. Like Jesus, it is the call to be working for my Father, 24/7. Doing our Father’s will. It’s a covenant lived out in a relationship with God, my neighbors, my work, and the calling to let the Kingdom of God shine forth to glorify his name.
In my life right now, steadfastly thirsting for this kind of righteousness requires very challenging and unfamiliar territory as board president for 102-unit co-op. But I know that this is a “work God has prepared me in advance to do.” We have to start new again as we are near our 30th year. It has all the aspects of history I can’t correct, the uncertainty of our future, and “herding cats” these situations require.
It is only in the present moment that I can hunger and thirst for his will, his way, and his righteousness. Even in the most hidden or unseen aspects of the work, I can always be hungering for the “right standing” of pleasing my Father. And, as the beatitude promises, I am being satisfied with an ever-growing relationship with the one who is righteous and who is bearing good fruit.
Pray
We boast in our weakness because when we are weak, you are strong. Let us hunger and thirst for more of your righteousness in our lives.
Reflect
What are “the good works” that are before you today? This week?
Discuss
What does “thirsting” for God’s righteousness look like in your particular situation? What will glorify God and advance his Kingdom?
Steve Becker is a long-time WorkLight member who participates in the Editorial Board. He and his wife, Carolyn, live in Burnsville, Minnesota.