Self-righteousness brings a value to us that makes us feel worth something. Self-worth blocks off our desire to be evaluated by God. We care more what we and other people think about us than we care about God’s evaluation. Hungering and thirsting after God’s Kingdom and His righteousness brings us into a place where His opinions are much more important to us that ourselves or others.

Humility opens up the door to God’s provisions, evaluations, and character. Humility allows us to see our need for God’s righteousness, as we compare who we are with Who He is. The more we see that need, the hungrier and thirstier we get.

The hungrier and thirstier we get, the more God fills us. If we are satisfied with who we are and what we have, we won’t be able to hunger and thirst for what God has to offer.

Humility shows us how much we lack in ourselves. It gives us a feeling of need. Sometimes we don’t want feelings like that. Hungering and thirsting in our physical bodies is a pain that lets us know our stomach is empty or our liquids are exhausted. It doesn’t feel good to be hungry or thirsty. It doesn’t always feel good to experience humility. It attacks self-confidence, self-sufficiency, self-esteem, and selfishness. If we have built much of our value and confidence around these things, we will struggle with seeking first God’s Kingdom and His righteousness.