The new year is in full swing and the entire world is facing serious issues from social unrest and injustice, to nuclear war. Historians tell us that history has a way of repeating itself. What we watch daily on the news and read in the paper is nothing new. Centuries ago, during days much like we face in 2014, the prophets encouraged the people to listen to the voice of God.
Unfortunately, many of us tend to think God is rigid and unyielding and will tell us to follow a strict set of rules and regulations that are impossible to keep. In reality, his requirements have a lot to do with how we view our world and treat our fellow man. According to Micah 6:8, in times of great hardship and unrest, God has a word for all men who decide to listen.
"Hear, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you....
"*live justly." Because God is just, he asks us to stand up for the rights of others, and when it's needed go the extra mile and attend to their physical needs.
"*love kindness and mercy," We need more kindness in the world; people do not need to be pressured to perform perfectly to receive God's love and acceptance. On the contrary, it is His goodness that He wants us to demonstrate to our fellow man.
"*humble yourself and walk humbly with your God." We do not have all the answers to life's many problems but we serve a God who is mighty to save.
Like handwriting on the wall, a day is coming when God will avenge the world of injustice and violence. As we wait for that day, let us hear His voice and give him what he requires. Not a set of blind acts of conformity to man made rules. Let us strive to give God what he truly desires of us; to do what is just, to love mercy and kindness, and walk humbly with him.
