What Does God Require?

In a world torn apart by political strife and social divisions, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. We live in an age where arguments about politics dominate our news feeds, dinner conversations, and even our churches. But amidst this cacophony of conflicting opinions, are we missing something far more important?

The ancient prophet Micah spoke to a society not unlike our own - one where corruption ran rampant, leaders abused their power, and people clung to empty religious rituals while neglecting true righteousness. His words, recorded in the book of Micah, chapter 6, ring just as true today as they did thousands of years ago.

Micah presents a courtroom scene where God puts His people on trial for their unfaithfulness. The people respond with a series of questions, asking what offerings they should bring to please God. Should they offer thousands of rams? Rivers of oil? Even their firstborn children? But God's answer cuts through their misguided attempts at appeasement:

"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8)

This powerful verse encapsulates what God truly desires from His people. It's not about grand gestures or religious showmanship. It's about the condition of our hearts and how we live our daily lives.

Let's break down these three requirements:

1. Do Justice: This means living with integrity, fairness, and righteousness towards others. It's about treating people equitably and standing up for what's right, regardless of political affiliations or social pressures.

2. Love Kindness: The Hebrew word used here, "chesed," refers to God's loyal love. It's about showing mercy and grace in action. In a world that often rewards outrage and anger, God calls us to be merciful, just as He is merciful to us.

3. Walk Humbly with Your God: This is a call to live in constant dependence on God, seeking His guidance rather than relying on our own understanding or the wisdom of the world.

These principles stand in stark contrast to the way many approach faith and politics today. We've become so focused on winning arguments and asserting our views that we've lost sight of what truly matters to God.

The Bible reminds us in Philippians 3:20 that "our citizenship is in heaven." While we may be citizens of earthly nations, our ultimate allegiance is to God's kingdom. This perspective should shape how we engage with the world around us.

Consider the words of Psalm 33:12: "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance." The health of a nation isn't determined by its political system or economic prowess, but by its relationship with God.

Throughout history, we've seen how easy it is for God's people to lose their way. The Israelites begged for a king, despite God's warnings. They thought having a strong political leader would solve their problems, but it only led to further corruption and division.

Fast forward to today, and we see similar patterns. Churches and religious institutions have grown larger and more influential, but have we grown closer to God's heart? Many claim the label of "Christian" while their actions and words reflect anything but Christ-like love and humility.

The real crisis we face isn't political - it's spiritual. As Proverbs 14:34 states, "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people." Our deepest problems can't be solved by a change in government or policy. They require a change of heart.

This brings us to the familiar verse from 2 Chronicles 7:14: "If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."

Notice that this promise isn't contingent on electing the right leaders or passing the right laws. It's about God's people humbling themselves, praying, seeking God, and turning from sin. The healing of our land begins with the transformation of our hearts.

So how do we live out these principles in a divided world? By following the example of Jesus Christ. He did justice by bearing our sins on the cross. He loved mercy by forgiving even His enemies. He walked humbly by continually surrendering to the Father's will.

Ultimately, our hope isn't in who governs our nation, but in who reigns over it - Jesus Christ. As Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

If you've never put your trust in Jesus, know that salvation isn't about doing better or being more religious. It's about trusting in the One who has done it all for you. Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."

Jesus Himself said in John 14:6, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." And John 3:16 reminds us of God's incredible love: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

God has made the path to salvation as simple as possible - believe in Jesus Christ and what He has accomplished on your behalf. It's not about cleaning yourself up first or earning God's favor. It's about accepting the gift of grace He freely offers.

In a divided world, let's be people who shine with God's love. Let's do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. As we do, we'll find that our faith becomes a beacon of hope in a dark and fractured world, drawing others to the transformative power of Jesus Christ.

Pastor Albert Cross
Tri-City Baptist Temple