May 23 -- "What Does God Require?"

 Today’s Reading:  Micah 6 & 7

"What Does God Require?"

Have you ever wondered what the Lord requires of you? The good news is that He has shown you. Micah 6:8 beautifully encapsulates the essence of God's will for our walk with Him. Here, the prophet Micah speaks forth God's desire for His people,

God's call to "do justice" reminds us of His heart for righteousness and compassion in our interactions with others. "Love kindness" urges us to show mercy and gentleness, mirroring God's love for us. But it's in the phrase "walk humbly with your God" that the crux of our devotion lies.

Walking humbly means acknowledging God as our guide, surrendering our desires and plans to His will. It's an invitation to strip away pride, self-importance, and self-sufficiency, embracing a posture of dependence. Just as Christ humbled Himself, becoming a servant for our sake, we're called to approach life with humility.

Keep in mind that salvation and eternal life are not achieved through our own efforts or doing these things. While living out the principles of Micah 6:8—doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God—are important aspects of a faithful Christian life, they are not the means by which we earn salvation.

The foundation of our salvation is faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that salvation is a gift from God, given to those who believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. In Ephesians 2:8-9, it is written: "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." The Lord only requires one thing for you salvation... faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ upon the cross. This is known as Justificatio sola fide, meaning justification by faith alone.

Our good deeds, including living justly, showing kindness, and walking humbly, are expressions of our faith and love for God. They are the fruit of a transformed heart and a life surrendered to Christ. While they don't earn us salvation, they are evidence of our relationship with God.

Our Lord has 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 walk humbly with your God setting aside any overblown sense of importance or self-righteousness.