“He has shown you, O mortal, 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
Mankind has always been on a search for ‘the good life’.
We want happiness, success, and security. We want it now and more of it. We struggle, scheme, scam, work, steal, and lie to attain power, status and wealth, all of which promise us happiness. We find that we contain good desires within us but also many bad desires as well. These selfish desires promise us happiness but over time bring us disillusionment and inward emptiness.
The Old Testament Prophet Micah came to his world and found it in ruins. People had been doing their own thing and chaos was everywhere. There was moral rubble and spiritual disorder. Human disobedience and selfish living had brought chaos to good living. He asks some questions in verses 6-7 to help the people find a better way.
With what shall I come before the Lord?
Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams?
Shall I give my firstborn for my sins?
He answers us in a simple way. He points us to the good life with simplicity. A life that is in harmony with God’s design and thus brings us much happiness. “DO JUSTICE AND LOVE KINDNESS AND WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD.” Or as The Message translation says, “He has already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don’t take yourself too seriously--- take God seriously.”
There are echoes of this message in similar New Testament passages: “Seek first His kingdom and all these things will be added unto us.” “Present yourselves as a living sacrifice to God.” “Love God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself.”
So, we have a choice- to listen to God’s basic direction for a happy satisfied life or what the culture promises us with acclaim or temporal things… or momentary feelings. In my many miles in this journey of life, I have found that His ways have always been the best. A way without shame or regret or sorrow. His ways seem so simple… but they sure work. They really do.
My Prayer: Father I humble myself before You. You are in charge and I submit myself to Your ways. I trust You and will live in Your love. Thank you for guiding me in the right way to genuine happiness.
