Minimal Requirements

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

(Micah 6:8)

I am reminded this morning of a few of my most challenging verses in Scripture. God desires some minimal requirements of His children. The children of Israel, especially the leaders, had forgotten these standards. Justice, mercy, and a humble attitude are basic charateristics of worship. God gives us the strength, courage, and desire for Godly living . . . which is the basic form of worship to our God . . .how we conduct ourselves day to day!

Many of us believe that worship is what we do in church. I have come to understand that true worship is how we live each day . . . especially when our fellow church members are not around! James states this (James 1:27) and so does Paul in the following verses:

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is . . .his good, pleasing and perfect will.

(Romans 12:1-2)

We cannot be caught up in the things of this world . . . even the surface activities of the church. God is concerned about our hearts. Our motives need to be to please and honor God and to bring Him glory. We need to put others before ourselves. This kind of character will naturally spill over into worship and cause others to seek Him as well. It is the least we can do for a God who does it all!