Our To-Do List

He has shown you, o man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 (NKJV)

Do lists motivate you? Do you go crazy if you do not have a list to follow? When I was younger, I rejected the idea of making a list of things to do for the day or week. Instead of feeling good about the items I was able to cross off the list, I felt discouraged for not accomplishing everything that was on the list. Now, as I get older, I have to make lists because I cannot remember what I need to do!

Have you ever thought about making a list of what God may want from you? In the first verses of Micah chapter six the people were convicted of their sin and were questioning the prophet as to what was necessary to obtain the favor of God. They were concerned about their sacrifices, burnt offerings, and offering their first-born children to secure God's favor. They had external motives and a false understanding of what pleased God.

Micah made it so clear for them, didn't he?

The first phrase was such a clear answer for them. He (God) has shown you (o man) what is good! Then, Micah goes on to write out the list of requirements. His short list involves three dimensions: outward, inward, and upward. Outwardly, we must 'do justly'. It is so necessary for us to deal righteously with others. Inwardly, we must 'love mercy'. When we commit to living for God, our true character is revealed by our inward passion to have an honorable relationship with God, and respond as Christ would to the people He surrounds us with. The third dimension is an upward response; we must 'walk humbly with our God'. Have a personal relationship with God and be determined to walk in continuous fellowship with Him. How we treat others is a reflection of our true relationship with God. The visible works we do show what is true in our hearts and bears fruit. When our attitudes are right, the things that please God come naturally and are easy to do.

Micah lists the basics that are 'required' by the Lord. His list is short and simple. If you ever feel that living for God is getting too complicated, maybe the list of things you are doing is cluttered with unnecessary and inappropriate actions. Do you have wrong motives? Are you discouraged in your Christian walk? Get out your new 'to-do' list from Micah 6:8. Remember to be fair with others, show mercy to those who wrong you, and walk humbly with your God!

Lord God, help us to recognize the clutter in our lives and remove the unnecessary things. Thank you for such a clear list of what pleases You. We desire to humbly walk with You.

Janet Stutzman