As a personal policy, I am against “bumper sticker” theology. However, if I was to summarize my theology on a bumper sticker and place it on my car, Micah 6:8 would certainly fit:
“What does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God”
In my opinion, no better ethical summary is provided by the prophets, codified by the Old Testament commandments, and incarnated by Jesus. Following that one timeless admonition alone changes our Christian talk into a walk, and our doctrinal IQ into a kingdom demonstrative I DO.
The setting of this poetic passage in Micah is a courtroom between God and his holy people. The passage is a series of sentiments by God, the injured plaintiff, toward his people wondering what happened to their relationship. Through the prophet Micah, God is expressing His heartfelt bewilderment while pleading with the people to come back into that intimate relationship. The Lord’s case against his people is convincing and of course, convicting.
In a world where “feelings” seem to justify behavior, God says your behavior demonstrates your feelings about me and my creation. What does God want?
The three requirements are:
1. Do Justice: Of course, it means to be a voice and a vote for the unprotected and oppressed, the handicapped and the poor, and the child and the elderly. It also means to be a voice for what is truthful and honest regardless of personal preference, pigmentation, politics, position, or power. The virtue of justice is within the character of God (Is. 30:18) and an active concern of God’s (Gen. 18:25; Ps. 9:4).
2. Love kindness: The word, kindness, is a Hebrew word (hesed) which occurs 250 times in the Bible. It is often translated as mercy, lovingkindness, and sometimes faithfulness. Again, it reflects the character of God (Hosea 6:6; Matthew 23:23). It involves both an affection and ethical love of neighbor as well as faithfulness to the covenant of God.
3. Walk humbly: Humility is an unselfish concern for the welfare of others. It provides a proper modesty and an accurate assessment of one’s relationship to the power of God. With humility, there is an absence of arrogance, conceit, and haughtiness. Christ incarnated it (Phil.2:3); Moses lead with it (Numbers 12:3), Paul developed it (Acts 20:19) and Peter wanted all Christians to be covered by it (I Peter 5:5).
God certainly has made it plain on how to live life in any culture, in any century, and in any circumstances: Be fair and just, be compassionate and loyal, and take God more seriously than yourself. Yep, I can put that bumper sticker on the back of my car!
- Fr. Tony Baron, Senior Pastor