November 8, 2023

Micah 6: 8 “He has showed you, O man, 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.” (NIV)

Social justice and personal morality is the essence of the religion of Yahweh.*

This is a very popular verse – and for good reason. It is one of the most clear-cut sets of instruction in the Bible. It appeals to me because of my passion for orderliness. It is a universal message, applicable to all, from Micah’s intended audience and beyond.

But let’s make it more personal: What does the Lord require of you? Justice and mercy and humility are general qualities but how do they translate to your life? What do they look like wearing your skin and bones? In the situations you encounter daily, do you act justly? You may love mercy when it’s extended to you but do you still love it when you have to show it to someone else? And in order to walk humbly with God, you must be willing to walk humbly among your fellow humans as well.

And here’s a piece of advice: while you are learning how to apply this principle to your life, don’t be looking around to see how successful everyone else is. God speaks to you about what he requires of you. He probably won’t tell you what his expectations are of anyone else. It’s all part of that walking humbly stuff!

Men vainly pretend to piety who are defective in justice and charity.*