Much has been said about knowing God’s purpose for our lives. Indeed, we should seek His purpose for each of us, and live our lives with purpose and on purpose. Having said that, have you considered what the Lord requires of you and of me?
First, let me say that the Lord is essentially concerned with the ethical, not with externals. “Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8) In Chapter six of the book of Micah, we are told what the Lord requires of His people. In verses 1-5, we find the Lord’s case, His controversy, with His people, Israel. How they have turned from Him. In verses 6-7, there is a listing of the external me assures that one might employ in his/her feeble attempt to circumvent God’s way. God had shown to His people then, as He has shown to His people now, what He requires us. Here they are:
- “To do justly.” Just do right! “Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. (Proverbs 14:34) “But in every nation he that fearth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him.” (Acts 10:35)
- “To love mercy.” Love, kindness and mercy! “Let not mercy and truth forsake thee; bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart.” (Proverbs 3:3) “Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy.” (Matthew 5:7)
- “Walk humbly with thy God.” Are you fair in your dealings with people? Another question. Do you show mercy to those who wrong you? Finally, are you learning humility? “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” (Isaiah 57:15) Dear Ones know this, religious rituals aren’t enough. God wants changed lives. He wants His people to become living sacrifices, (Romans 12:1, 2) not just doing religious deeds, but living right.
Be blessed as we seek to please Him and fulfill our purpose.
Pastor J. Amos Jones
