Graduation season is upon us. When conferring diplomas or degrees on graduates, the officiant says something to the effect of “having met the requirements of…” One must meet certain requirements in order to complete the course and receive a diploma or degree.
While “spiritual graduation” does not come for the Christian until we get to heaven, we currently engage the course load. Just as high school or college graduates know the requirements before they begin, do we understand our requirements?
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you…?” Micah 6:8a
A Caveat Concerning Requirements
A student does not have to meet the graduation requirements to enroll. They enroll to begin working toward them. Enrollment comes with a different set of requirements – GPA, entrance exams, and, of course, application fees and other financial concerns.
In like manner, the verse above does not introduce requirements to entering into a covenant with God. These requirements apply to those already in covenant relationship; explain how God expects His people to progress through life’s course. We enter into a covenant relationship with God, not through our deeds, but through Jesus His Son. Works do not earn our way into God’s favor. We receive it through our repentance and faith in Christ’s finished work on the cross.
However, God does expect us to follow a certain course of life on our way to heaven’s graduation ceremony. What we find in Micah 6:8 provides a summary of those “graduation requirements.”
Electives Are Not Requirements
Every degree comes with a specific list of required courses. Those required courses constitute the majority of the hours earned toward the degree. Additionally, a student can fill other hours with classes of their own choosing called “electives.” If a student only took elective classes, however, he or she would not fulfill the requirements for the degree.
In Micah 6:6-7, the people of Judah gave God a list of the “elective” activities they thought would please Him. They listed 5 forms of worship in ascending intensity, asking if that were enough to satisfy God. Interestingly, God provided for the first couple of suggestions, but their list ended with things God considered abominable.
Sometimes, we do the same things. We substitute rituals for God in place of relationship with God. We seek to appease Him with our hands when He is pleased only with our heart. Religious acts are not bad things in and of themselves. But they only please God when done from – not in place of – a fully devoted heart.
God’s Requirements
Micah 6:8 sums up nicely for us the attitudes that demonstrate a devoted heart. The Christian making his or her way through life’s course should seek to pass these attitudes with a solid A+.
Do justice
Interestingly the bible uses a verb rather than a noun. When we think of justice as merely a noun, we can transfer its responsibility to others. But God’s requirement is more than voting for, calling for, or even praying for justice. It is DOING justice. God is pleased when we do right by others. We as believers cannot sit idly by while others around us receive unfair treatment.
Simply put, this is doing the right thingin our dealing with others, regardless of how they may treat us. It is being fair and equitable; treating others with dignity and respect.
Love kindness
I’ve thought a lot this week about that word “kindness.” There is a “kindness shortage” these days. The verb translated in this verse speaks of a loyal, faithful, enduring love that seeks the best for its object. It usually refers to compassionate behavior directed toward those more vulnerable than we are.
Justice is doing right, but loving kindness is being nice to others, even if they are not nice to us. Kindness is a gentleness toward people. Kindness is laying off the horn. Saying “please” and “thank you.” It is choosing to say a nice word instead of a complaint.
Walk humbly with God
Walking implies a journey. Walking with God on a daily basis means we go along with Him, not leaving Him out of our day. We follow the advice of Proverbs 3:5-6 and acknowledge Him in all our ways. Walking humbly means that we live every moment of every day dependent on Him for direction.
In the Old Testament we read of a man who “graduated with honors.” Genesis 5:24 tells us that “Enoch walked with God and he was not, for God took him.” Enoch is listed among the “distinguished alumni” in Hebrews 11. Oh, that we would model his life and walk with God every day.
Some Final Thoughts
Let me emphasize again that these course requirements DO NOT accomplish enrollment. I pray you are not trying to get into a right relationship with God on your own. Please trust in what Jesus did on the cross and surrender your life to Him. Then, and only then, can you begin this course that will culminate in your heavenly graduation.
Also, if you are a genuine Jesus-follower, please do not equate your business with devotion. God doesn’t want just your activity, He wants your attention. When the religious activity stems from a devoted heart He is most please.
So, how will you DO RIGHT, BE NICE, and WALK WITH GOD today?
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