Daily Devotion - Micah 6:6-8 - what can i give god?
6 “With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? 7 Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” 8 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 6:6-8 ESV
Have you ever found yourself stumbling over the question, “What can I give to God to make things right?” We all do it at some point. In our pursuit of forgiveness and a closer relationship with God, we may find ourselves considering extravagant gifts or acts of service. But as Micah so poignantly highlights, God isn’t interested in our sacrificial offerings; rather, he desires our hearts and our actions.
Let’s delve deeper into what Micah is saying and how we can apply these timeless truths to our daily lives.
Actions over words
The reality is that many of us have bought into the misconception that our sincerity can substitute for our actions. We might think, “As long as I’m genuine in my devotion, that's enough.” However, sincerity doesn’t free us from God’s justice and standards. It's easy to slip into a habit of setting our own standards, often striking a compromise with our conscience instead of aligning ourselves with God’s desires.
The Divine Standard
Micah tells us very clearly what qualifies as “doing what is right.” The path to God’s heart isn’t shrouded in mystery or ritualistic sacrifices. Instead, His requirements are beautifully simple:
- Do What is Right: This means aligning our actions with God’s word. Are we living according to His standards? Do we challenge ourselves in our character, ensuring that our choices reflect our faith?
- Love Mercy: This invites us to embrace compassion wholeheartedly. Mercy flows from recognizing how much God has forgiven us. When we treat others kindly, even when it's hard to do so, we mirror God’s generosity toward us.
- Walk Humbly with God: Humility asks us to acknowledge that we’re not self-sufficient. Every breath we take is a gift, and independence from God is a myth. Walking humbly means seeking His presence in our lives and making Him the priority in our hearts.
The Process of Transformation
Embracing this divine standard requires a transformation of our hearts—our motives and desires. Here’s how we can internalize these principles:
- Reflect on your Actions: Are you living justly? What represents “doing right” in your day-to-day life? Reflect and take actionable steps to align your choices with God’s will. And remember, Jesus didn't just come to judge your actions, he also came to judge your intent and heart. Words plus action is really what matters.
- Extend Mercy: Practice mercy daily. Offer forgiveness to those who have wronged you, and be the first to extend grace. In doing so, we reflect Christ’s character.
- Commit to Humility: Acknowledge your utter dependence on Christ. Begin your day with prayer, inviting God into your plans and decisions. Always seek His counsel before acting. Each day, put in perspective that fact that you have nothing outside God and his mercy, so be quick to extend mercy and act humbly each day.
Applying These Lessons Daily
In daily life, let us continuously strive to enter God’s heart with these three focus areas. This is a journey of growth and discipleship. God isn’t after superficial acts; He’s after your heart, and a heart aligned with Him will produce actions in accordance with His will.
A reminder from Paul in Romans 12:2 resonates here: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” When you’re mindful of aligning yourself with God, your deeds will flow from a transformed heart.
Conclusion
The beauty of Micah 6:6-8 reminds us that God desires genuine relationship over ritualistic practice. It's an invitation into a transformed life—one that is beautiful, impactful, and meaningful. It’s reassuring to know that walking this path doesn’t hinge on perfection but on a sincere effort to pursue what God wants from us.
As we wrap up today’s reflection, let's pray together:
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us and revealing Your will in such simple terms. Help me to do what is right in Your eyes, to love mercy as You do, and to walk humbly with You every day. Renew my heart and guide my actions as I seek to please You above all else. May my life be a testament to Your goodness and grace. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
