There is no question that life is getting more complicated with increasing civil and political unrest, increasingly aggressive terrorism, a complex international economy, and WAY too many passwords to remember. In 6:8 of Micah, the last part of the verse reads, “…And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (NIV) Three simple statements or tasks… how to act… how to love.. and how to walk. If we are ‘to act justly’ then it means considering what is fair and right and moral not just what is easy or quick or politically correct. It means evaluating our actions and the consequences. It requires that we constantly think about our actions and what they say to others. Next, if we are ‘to love mercy’ then we need to remember that mercy means ‘not getting what we do deserve’ and we should show that same mercy to others. We sometimes believe that “getting even” is what we should do but that is not what Christ tells his disciples. Too often, if we were to ‘get even’ with someone, it would mean lowering ourselves to act like they do… that is clearly not a way to improve your life. We all need mercy (and grace which is ‘getting what we don’t deserve). And finally ‘to walk humbly with your God’ reminds us that when we try to walk on our own or away from God, that is when we stumble and fall (a lot). When you walk with God, it is easier to be humble because you know who is truly in control of your life. So, as you Take Time for God’s Word today, maybe at dinner time (say 6:08), you can see if you tried the simple life OR if you are continuing to make it complex and complicated. Try it out today and every day from here on out.
