By Judy Villanueva

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)

The most important thing about your life is not what you do;  It’s who you become.  That’s what you will take into eternity.” (D.Willard)

As the year begins there is much talk of resolutions, new beginnings, and chosen words that stir up hope and create a vision for the future.  

Who do you want to be?  How do you want to be?  

The year past has been a blend of satisfied dreams, dreams in process and those dashed on the rocks of disappointment.  Yet, for the Christian whose goal is to grow in holiness there is, alongside every outcome and, in the midst of all the in-between spaces, a DIVINE  hand that faithfully and lovingly shapes who we are becoming.  The pressure is precise, purposed to root out behaviors that deplete and disintegrate us — AND aimed at shaping His image in us. 

There are few places in Scripture that are as specific about God’s will for us as this verse from Micah 6:8.  What does He require of us here, there and everywhere?  To act justly or in other words, to do what is right.  To love mercy!  This is a little tougher.  There is an expression that goes something like this, “Grace for me and justice for you.” We want that second chance and definitely don’t want to be punished for our misdeeds BUT we don’t always want to forgive  those who have hurt us.  

Loving mercy is a pursuit that releases something of divine beauty into our souls.  

Mercy begets mercy and the gift of being forgiven wants to make us merciful people, thankful forgivers!

Lastly, it is required that we walk humbly before our God.  This is a disposition  of mind and  heart!  It is waking up grateful because God has given us breath.  It is praying before each meal, each shower, each experience of goodness because God has provided.  

It is an inner posture of readiness to listen and obey, repent and turn, receive and worship.  

It is living in remembrance of the CROSS and standing before the MAN that we want to look like as we make decisions, put others first, suffer losses, and celebrate victories.  In humility, Jesus walked to Calvary carrying a cross and there, a mighty fusion of justice and mercy occurred where we received OH such amazing GRACE — as the King’s love for mercy acted out justice and died to set us free.

“Thank you, Jesus, for living a life that shows me what it looks like to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly before our God.  Fill me and form me and make me more like you.  Amen.”

What about you?

Who do you want to be?  How do you want to be?

Can you feel the Holy Spirit’s invitation to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly before your God?

What might that look like today in your thoughts?  Feelings?  Actions?

When was the last time you stood before the cross and looked up?  Take it in, the beautiful love of Christ.

Worship