ALL YOUR GOOD IS THE RESULT OF GOD WORKING WITHIN YOU

“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

 

A few months before my mother died, she told me that her favorite verse was Micah 6:8.  I never thought to ask her why this was her favorite scripture, but have pondered on it many times.  

 

Growing up, my mother had her hands full with raising five children, a husband and helping do the many necessary tasks on a farm.  During this time as a child, I suppose I had the normal feelings of any child that is one of many, and did not think that I was dealt with justly when punishment was dealt out—especially, if in my small mind that I did not start the argument.  Mercy, now that is what every child needs, who has just shot a hole in their dad’s Pick-up truck window with a bb gun.  No, in my mind growing up, particularly when punishment was being given, I did not think that justice and mercy were a part of my small world.  However, after I became an adult I began to understand that my parents were doing their best to rear children who would act fairly towards other people in business and personal relationships, and have a compassionate disposition towards others. 

 

Micah 6:8 tells us how we are to treat other people and what our attitude towards God should be.  We are admonished to deal fairly with people, and to be compassionate towards other people,   forgiving them.  “But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? (1 John 3:17 KJV).   The other admonishment that we are given in this Scripture is to have a respectful attitude towards God.  We are to remember that He is the big “I” and we are the little “i’s”.  Many years ago, I heard this phrase, “If it had not been for the Lord…”  Let us not ever forget that if it had not been for the lord’s justice and mercy we would die in our sins. 

 

He sent His Son, Jesus, to suffer the justice that we deserved and through His Mercy we receive forgiveness.   

 

Today, I challenge you to be a woman or man who seeks to treat all people according to God’s standard of justice. Do not cheat people in business. Fight oppression. Defend the defenseless. Allow God’s mercy to flow through you.  Take food to those who are hungry, clothing to those who are naked. Visit prisoners. Sponsor children living in poverty around the world.  Also walk humbly with God! Do not be boastful in your life and work.  All your good is the result of God working within you. Be humble in all things as you walk with God.  

 

Keep your eyes open as you step out your door and you will find opportunities to do good.  Needs are all around us, but we have become skilled at turning a blind eye. Open your eyes and see all around you the places where the Lord would have you do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with him.

 

Prayer—Father I thank You for Your justice and mercy at work in me and through me.  I purpose to keep my eyes open for opportunities to demonstrate your justice and mercy in the world, in Jesus Name. Amen.