Desperate for Righteousness

Most likely, you've been examined by a doctor, interviewed as a potential employee, and/or been finger-printed or had a background check. All these indicate a careful and thorough examination, most likely something to which we consented. Perhaps such an depth study of who we are is not scary especially if we are certain of the results. I wonder, however, how many of us welcome God's examination of our hearts. Hmm, maybe so eager. David wrote, "O LORD, do not rebuke or punish me in Your anger, nor discipline me in Your wrath." (Psalm 6:1 AMP). David's request is rooted in a truth we must not miss: he didn't ask God to withhold discipline altogether; rather, he asked God not discipline him in anger. David was aware of his sin and God's displeasure, he saw himself in need of God's discipline. It seems we see here a man who longed for righteousness so desperately he was eager for whatever it would take - rebuke and discipline - to make his heart into the likeness of God. Now, I was never excited when Coach told me and my team mates to run the lines at basketball practice but we knew it was part of disciplining our bodies for strength and endurance. While we we [very quietly] moaned and groaned, we submitted and obey Coach; he was the authority and knew how to help us be the the best we could be. Hebrews 12:6 tells us God disciplines the ones He loves; we also know this: "For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." (Hebrews 12:11). We've heard it - no pain, no gain! The question, therefore, before each of God's children is this: how much deeply do we long to be like Christ - enough to desire a full examination of the heart AND surrender to whatever God feels it will take to bring that "fruit of righteousness" (holiness) in us? Perhaps the best we can ask God for is that He make us ... desperate for righteousness.