Micah 6:8 NIV
[8] He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
The verse above broadly covers three main actions. First, it tells me quite clearly that God will not demand from me that which He has not given grace for. Too many times, we use the weak flesh as an excuse for sin, but we also forget that there is an abundance of mercy and grace available for us, to enable us live in line with the instructions of God. As the verse above makes clear, we are mortals, in need of the help of an immortal God, who knows our weaknesses and limitations, yet gives all the help, encouragement, support and information I need for life. All through the pages of His Word, we see examples of both good and bad, and how each case ended. What more could I ask for?
What does the Lord require of you?
God has not left us without clear guidance on what His perfect will is. His Word is full of instructions and requirements, but these instructions are also for those who are in a relationship with God. I have a choice of response or reaction to what His Word says, but if indeed I am His child, I will not struggle with obedience to the word of my Father. He is called the LORD, because He is the Authority over all He has created. He is the LORD to whom all other authorities in heaven, on earth and under the earth will all one day acknowledge and bow to, either by choice or compulsion. The question in this section is therefore quite relevant to all of us today. Do I know what God requires or demands of me?
To Act Justly and to Love Mercy and to Walk humbly with your God
I have at least three lifelong and lifestyle pursuits that have been laid out in the verse above. Both my inner and outer man must be involved in this assignment. Hypocrisy and eye-service can only take a man so far, and there will always be trouble when you are found out. Love is first about an inner conviction and presence, and then its seed and impact are seen on the outward. When the heart is settled on the right pursuits, the actions and walk will also align. There will be agreement between the heart and other parts of the body. My conversations, the company I keep, my daily priorities and pursuits will be a reflect of the One I follow. Do I truly look like God? Can men find his imprint on my life?
Have I taken time to seek the right information from God's word, as well as the Spirit who inspires the Word, asking the right questions and seeking the right help I need to align? God will not force Himself on me or go against the exercise of my freewill. His grace is always available, but only on this side of eternity. Take advantage today; tomorrow is not guaranteed. God's time of favour is here.
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