Some of us probably will have trouble with this statement, but God never conceals His expectations from us. We never have to guess how we should live. In response to the misguided ways in which people sought to please God, the prophet Micah clearly explained what God does and does not expect. The people asked Micah in chapter 6: Should we come to God with many offerings? Should we bring a thousand rams and ten thousand rivers of oil? Would God be pleased if we gave our firstborn children to Him to express our devotion? Micah responded to them straightforward:
"He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8.
Micah listed three things God desires that are still relevant for us today. First, God wants us to show justice. The desire to for us to receive just is not enough! We must also be absolutely just in the way that we treat others. If we have given our word, we should keep it with complete integrity no matter what happens. If we have people working for us, we should treat them just as fairly as Jesus would. We should always strive to act justly in every relationship.
Second, we are to love mercy. The knowledge that we have received undeserved mercy from God should motivate us to show mercy to others. We need to always resist the temptation to retaliate against those who have wronged us, choosing to show them mercy instead.
Thirdly, God requires us to walk humbly with Him. God does not ask us for spectacular acts of service. He asks for humility. At times we try to make the Christian life far more complicated than it really is. We might hide behind questions about the Bible or uncertainty about the second coming of Christ. We can allow ourselves to become distracted in order to avoid confronting what God has clearly told us to do today.
There are many things that we try to do to realize God's expectations for us. However, His expectations are made known through His Word over and over again. If we are quick to practice the three just listed, we will be more than carrying out His expectations for us. If we strive to be completely obedient to the basics, the more complex assignments will also become clear!
May God Richly Bless You Today!! H Trent!
"He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8.
Micah listed three things God desires that are still relevant for us today. First, God wants us to show justice. The desire to for us to receive just is not enough! We must also be absolutely just in the way that we treat others. If we have given our word, we should keep it with complete integrity no matter what happens. If we have people working for us, we should treat them just as fairly as Jesus would. We should always strive to act justly in every relationship.
Second, we are to love mercy. The knowledge that we have received undeserved mercy from God should motivate us to show mercy to others. We need to always resist the temptation to retaliate against those who have wronged us, choosing to show them mercy instead.
Thirdly, God requires us to walk humbly with Him. God does not ask us for spectacular acts of service. He asks for humility. At times we try to make the Christian life far more complicated than it really is. We might hide behind questions about the Bible or uncertainty about the second coming of Christ. We can allow ourselves to become distracted in order to avoid confronting what God has clearly told us to do today.
There are many things that we try to do to realize God's expectations for us. However, His expectations are made known through His Word over and over again. If we are quick to practice the three just listed, we will be more than carrying out His expectations for us. If we strive to be completely obedient to the basics, the more complex assignments will also become clear!
May God Richly Bless You Today!! H Trent!
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