What Does the Lord Require?

by Daniel Tompkins

What will you do with your life? That is the big question most of you will struggle to answer from now until you graduate high school. What’s more, other people will want to know the answer to this question too! You will be asked, “What are you going to do after high school?” at least a million times in your senior year alone. Many young people continue to struggle with how to answer that question well into their twenties. I did. And well beyond. That is the big question, “What will you do with your life?” or “What are you going to do when you grow up?”.

When I was a senior in high school and still going to community college in my early twenties, I felt like I needed to pick the right job that God created me for.  I felt like my life goals, happiness and lasting satisfaction hinged on picking the right career. I felt like I might not honor God if I picked the wrong thing. In order to get the right job, I needed to go to school. This raised the question, “which school does God want me to go to?”. In addition, if I was going to have a family with kids, I needed to get married. This raised the question, “who does God want me to marry?”

I was overwhelmed! I just wanted a clear sign from God! He must have a plan for me, right? Why wouldn’t he show me what he wants from me? I wanted the proverbial open window or door. Is that too much to ask of God?

Micah 6:8 became a go-to verse for me when I was struggling with all these decisions.

“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?”

It is important to look at the context of this verse (as with any verse). Micah was a prophet and he cautioned the Israelites that they were not being obedient to God. They were not caring for the poor and they were worshiping false gods. At the same time, they were also offering sacrifices to the LORD God. Chapter six begins with God reminding his people of his trustworthiness, his sovereignty and saving power. He reminds his people how he delivered them from slavery and brought them through the desert. He provided leadership and salvation.

In verse 6 and 7 it shows rhetorically and with hyperbole, that it is right to bring offerings before the LORD. Verse 8 explains that offerings are incomplete without obedience; simple, plain, ordinary, everyday obedience, in love and humility. This is what God wants. This is God’s will. This is what he requires, “…do justice…love kindness, and…walk humbly with your God.” “Justice” applies to looking out for others and to help those who are in need. “Love kindness” is doubling down on how we are to treat people with love and kindness. To “walk humbly with your God” is the posture with which we are to live and have when we approach God.  This is required. It is non-negotiable if we want to honor God. This is obedience.

We often want an oracle. We want a special “calling”. We often overcomplicate God’s will and despite having the intention to be focused on God we accidently turn all the focus upon ourselves. God’s task for us is nothing new. God does not require anything that he didn’t require of the Christians who have gone before us. He wants our simple, humble love and obedience; toward our neighbor and toward him. In a similar way that we cannot punch our sibling and claim obedience to our parents. We cannot be unjust and unkind toward our neighbor and claim obedience to God. 

So how does this verse answer, “What will you do with your life?” It refocuses our priority and reminds us of our first love. God. Like the Israelites, we are quick to forget what we are here for. 

So there is freedom! God can be honored in almost anything when it is done in a God honoring way. When you feel weighed down by options, remember what God requires. In all other things, there is freedom. Making the “right” decision often overshadows merely being obedient to God. If you mess up and find a better way than what you initially decided, change course. Study God’s word and seek godly counsel. Make a decision and adjust as necessary.

Q: What is God’s will for your life? 

A: “…do justice…love kindness, and…walk humbly with your God.”

REFLECTION:

• How will you decide what to do with your life?

• How will you keep God as your first love?

• Challenge: Memorize Micah 6:8. Write it down, post it around your house, encourage a friend to join you, and let the Word of God transform your heart.