Biblical Advice on Living WellSýnishorn

Having the right attitude towards God and people around you

“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?” (Micah 6:8)

The prophet Micah gives a summary of God’s will for our lives. This is the core from which other rules and commandments follow.

In Micah’s day, many people thought that serving God was all about performing the proper rituals in the temple. They assumed that as long as they performed these religious duties correctly, the rest of their lives didn’t matter.

No, Micah says, God doesn't want your animal sacrifices if in the meantime you exploit your neighbor and fill the land with injustice. He wants you to live with Him 24/7, and that includes treating the people around you well. Therefore, your whole life should be full of love and justice. If that is not the case, your outward religiosity is useless.

We no longer make animal sacrifices. But the essence of Micah’s message is relevant for us too. Could it be that we also have our blind spots? Are there areas in our lives where we go our own way without caring about God's will — perhaps especially in relating to other people? And how does “walking humbly with God” take shape in your life?