Our Biblical Responsibility

Have you ever wondered what it is that God wants you and me to do?  Many things are identified in the Bible concerning how a person ought to live, but the prophet Micah summarizes God’s desire when he writes, “He has showed you, O man, 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).

Thee three commands identified in this verse are: (1) To act justly, (2) To love mercy, and (3) To walk humbly with God.  So, what do these commands mean for ordinary people like you and me?

·        First, to “act justly” is to follow the golden rule; it is to act in a fair way towards other people and treat them in the same manner that you would want to be treated.  In other words, we are to do what is right by everyone. 

·        Second, to “love mercy” is to be kind, gracious and compassionate towards all people.  Not only are we to show mercy but we are to delight in participating in this kind of action wherever we are.

·        Third, to “walk humbly” is to recognize who God is and endeavor to be in constant fellowship with Him.  This happens through the reading of the Bible (which is God’s Word to us) and meditating on what He says.  Charles Spurgeon, an English Baptist preacher said, “Humility must be in the heart, and then it will come out spontaneously as the outflow of life in every act that a man performs."

Everything in our lives – whether thought, word or deed – should all bring honor and glory to God, build up other people, and further the cause of Christ.  So, the question each of us must ask ourselves is “Where am I when it comes to the actions of justice, mercy and humility?  Do I act justly by treating everyone fairly?  Do I delight at reaching out to others and showing the love of Christ in an encouraging way?  Do the motivations of my heart and my daily actions reveal that I walk humbly with the Lord?

Are you taking your biblical responsibility seriously?