“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? (Micah 6:8)
In one glorious verse, God has instructed man in the whole of his duty. Oh to take each part of this instruction to heart!
Firstly, “do justly.” What does this mean? Do what’s right – not what’s right in your own eyes, or in the eyes of your peers; no, not even right in the eyes of your religious circle – but what is right in the eyes of God. This alone is doing justly. This is what the Bible calls “righteousness.”
Then, “love mercy.” When there is no beam in your own eye, and you see a speck in your brother’s eye, be filled with mercy toward him – pray for him, reach to God as to how you could help him see more clearly and walk in a better way. Maintain an attitude of love, not haughty condemnation. Weep, like Jeremiah, over those that are falling short of God’s standard. Don’t desire their punishment – intercede with tears for their restoration.
And “walk humbly with thy God,” knowing that every iota of goodness and righteousness in your life is from God’s grace. You are in desperate need of His moment-by-moment help. You stand by grace. But for the grace of God, you are no different than the worst of men.
God has shown us what is good and what He requires of us. Let us diligently apply ourselves to this divine prescription for a life which pleases Him.