As Micah prosecutes the Lord’s case against Israel, he explains what the Lord does not need more of—burnt offerings, rivers of olive oil, first-born children. In other words, items of wealth and power, things one might give away to prove devotion.

Micah calls—what does the Lord require of you? Then responds—to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Jesus echoes Micah when addressing the Pharisees—you give a tenth of your spices…but you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness…(Matthew 23:23)

These warnings weren’t rejections of religious practices. Paying attention to Biblical commands remained important then, just as it does today. However, many only carried out motions of empty religiosity, and the Lord rejected such vapid devotion.

Instead of strengthening my pious reputation, the Lord asks me to soften my heart.

Act justly. To care about the injustices in the world, to speak up when possible, to try to feel the pain and frustrations experienced by others as they face injustice. I’m not always sure how to put this in practice from my suburban existence, but I can ask the Lord to show me.

Love mercy. To show kindness. To reveal compassion or forgiveness toward others when I have it in my power to punish. Where might I freely and willingly give grace? How might I notice and enjoy the mercy I see in others? To seek out merciful people.

Walk humbly with your God. Consciously consider, and ruminate upon, who I am and where I stand in relation with the Lord. Realize that every good thing comes from the hand of the Lord. Remember that I’m merely made from the dust of the earth, while God spoke that dust into existence. Try to exercise a spirit of humility.

Simple, right? Of course not. Challenging. Counter-cultural. Deeply needed.

When I see and experience the world swirling around me, and I don’t know how to respond, I can double-down on these words—justice, mercy and humility. A life leaning in this direction serves to build, not destroy, and leads us to better places.

Micah 6 in week thirty-three of reading the Bible cover to cover

Photo by Jon Tyson