Act. Love. Walk.
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. (Micah 6:8)
The most important thing about your life is not what you do; It’s who you become. That’s what you will take into eternity.” (D.Willard)
The year past has been a blend of satisfied dreams, dreams in process and those dashed on the rocks of disappointment. Yet, for the Christian whose goal is to grow in holiness there is, alongside every outcome and, in the midst of all the in-between spaces, a DIVINE hand that faithfully and lovingly shapes who we are becoming. The pressure is precise, purposed to root out behaviors that deplete and disintegrate us. Pressure aimed at shaping His image in us.
Who do you want to be? How do you want to be?
There are few places in Scripture that are as clear about God’s will for us as this verse from Micah 6:8. What does He require of us here and now? To act justly or in other words, to do what is right. To love mercy! There is an expression that goes something like this, “Grace for me but justice for you.” We want grace and a second chance BUT aren’t always willing to offer it.
Loving mercy happens in the wake of receiving mercy! Something holy happens inside us when we do NOT getting the justice we deserve and instead, receive grace.
The gift of being forgiven is meant to multiply and has power to make us merciful people, thankful forgivers! Lastly, it is required that we walk humbly before our God. This is a disposition of mind and heart! It is waking up grateful because God has given us breath. It is praying before each meal, each shower, each experience of goodness because God has provided.
It is an inner posture of readiness to listen and obey, repent and turn, receive and worship.
It is living in remembrance of the CROSS and standing before the MAN that we want to look like as we make decisions, put others first, suffer losses, and celebrate victories. In humility, Jesus walked to Calvary carrying a cross and there, a mighty fusion of justice and mercy occurred where we received OH such amazing GRACE ---
as the King’s LOVE for mercy ACTED out justice and died to set us free!
“Thank you, Jesus, for living a life that shows me what it looks like to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly before our God. Fill me and form me and make me more like you. Amen.”
What about you?
Who do you want to be? How do you want to be?
When was the last time you stood before the cross and looked up?
Take it in, the beautiful love of Christ.