Fruit of the Spirit – Day 12

Some things never change. Corruption was just as rife in Judah in the 7th century BC as it is in so many countries, including South Africa, in the 21st century AD. In Micah’s day, many of the religious leaders were corrupt. Most prophets proclaimed messages of approval to those who paid bribes, while they pronounced judgement upon those who did not. There was also the general idea that if you are good enough, if you make the right personal sacrifices, you will be ok with God.

It is an idea that is still around today and Micah’s response is just as applicable now as it was then. God is clear that we cannot simply make up for our sins by offering him something valuable or putting on a spectacular show of righteousness. Sometimes what we need to do is very simple and plain, isn’t it?

We need to act justly – am I telling the truth? Do I owe anyone anything? Am I treating others with fairness and kindness? We need to love mercy – am I merciful to others when I have it in my power to help someone? Do I live in such a way that others are first and I am last? And I need to walk humbly with my God – do I make decisions based on how they will benefit me, or God’s kingdom? Do I rely on my good deeds to count, when my heart is far from God?

God’s unchanging laws are just and we all have a personal responsibility to them – to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God.