The Lord Requirements

1-28-2011 by Boyd Bailey

The Lord’s Requirements


“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

God has expectations for His children: justice, mercy and humility are three of His requirements. These are not electives for the student of God’s Word, but three virtuous attributes that are required of each of us. Furthermore, the Lord does not ask His followers to behave in any fashion that He has not already modeled for them.

He acts justly, He loves mercy and He walks humbly. He does not expect any behavior from His followers that He has not already exhibited. His justice is sure, right, and above questioning. His mercy is fresh, deep, and everlasting. His humility is authentic, tranquil, and service oriented. Jesus came to earth from heaven to give us a picture of God’s glory and expectations.

We worship an awesome God who has shown us the way. Study the life of Jesus and see how He exemplified this trinity of character traits. He was a man who despised injustice. He confronted it with passion and He was a man on a mission of mercy. He could not wait to extend His grace to some unsuspecting and undeserving soul.

He served humanity’s worst with humility and love. He did not condone sin, nor was He condescending toward those caught in their sin. But He spoke with conviction, laced with love, giving the glory to God, for real life application. He was a man of humility. “Gentle and humble” (Matthew 11:29) are the only two recorded words in scripture that Jesus used to describe Himself. God has modeled the way for us. He does not require of us what He did not demonstrate.

For Christ followers, He is your life, and as you walk with Him that realization becomes more apparent. You cannot walk with God and not change, for you become like the one you walk with. When you walk with the Lord you begin to grow in justice, mercy and humility. When you walk with God you are transformed into the image of His son Jesus.

“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters” (Romans 8:29).

So what does it mean to walk with God? First, you quit striving in your own strength. Slow down and prayerfully channel that same energy heavenward. By faith, trust God to work out the people and the circumstances which are beyond your control. This is a walk of faith.

Secondly, as you walk with Him listen to His voice and enjoy His presence.

His voice is reassuring and His presence is calming. Justice, mercy and humility will come upon you as you walk with your heavenly father. Walking with God meets His requirements, as He provides for that which He requires. Isn’t this just like our gracious God? Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God. His requirements are rewarding and good!

Do I have a humble walk with the Lord that exhibits mercy, love and justice?

Related Readings: Genesis 5:22-24; Joshua 22:5; Luke 24:1-35; 1 John 1:7