GOD'S REQUIREMENTS

 

Micah 6:8  No, O people, the LORD has already told you what is good, and this is what he requires: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.  NLT

      The requirements of the Lord are obvious to anyone who wants to honestly know them.  He makes it clear that we are to do what is right before Him.  What is right in God’s eyes often is different than what we think is right.  God’s Word is the standard by which we evaluate our actions.  Are we living right before God?  The ways of man should never determine how we are doing in our living.

       We need to love mercy.  That is, we should love to withhold retribution from those who deserve punishment.  Now, I am not saying that we should not mete out punishment to those who sin against the common good of society.  People need to be held accountable for things done that are harmful and dangerous for the public.  I am not suggesting that we should put our heads in the sand and ignore it when people do wrong.  But, as children of God, it ought to be a way of life for us to show mercy towards those who wrong us, especially when they repent and ask for forgiveness.  We are to love our neighbor and be driven by a forgiving heart rather than a vengeful heart. 

      We must walk humbly with God.  There is no room for pride in our walk with the Lord.  We understand that He alone is to be praised.  We know that who we are, what we are and whatever we accomplish in life are because of God’s grace and blessings.  We don’t live for ourselves.  We live always to honor Him who has saved us and blessed us. 

      It is good for us to acknowledge the role the Lord plays in our lives.  It is good to know that we owe Him all the praise for the life we live.  It is good for us to understand that the very essence of life is in Him and Him alone.