I like practical Christianity. There may be a place for learning the importance of numbers in Scripture or the intricacies of Solomon’s Temple, but I have a hard time applying those truths to help me better love my neighbors, or stop me from envying them for having better stuff. One of the most popular Christian books in my lifetime has been Rick Warren’s best-selling book The Purpose Driven Life. Whatever you might think about Rick Warren, the book is pretty straightforward and the central point is that our lives have purpose and that purpose is found in God and His plans for us. Have you ever wondered what God’s purpose is for you—what God wants you to do? Well, this is your lucky day because we’re going to hear God’s answer! Let’s pay attention to today’s passage, written long ago by an Old Testament prophet named Micah:

O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)

Micah was a prophet who lived in a place named Moresheth around 700 BC, during a time of extreme social unrest. Micah’s name means “Who is like Yahweh?” His hometown was one of many that were captured and sacked by Sennechareb. This book is very relevant in our day. Micah prophesied about justice, reproaching unjust leaders, and defending the rights of the poor against the rich and powerful. In today’s passage, Micah tells us what God requires of each of us: “Do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” God’s command is pretty straightforward. Do what’s right, love mercy, live humbly. What’s hard for us in God’s command is the Hebrew word “mercy.” It’s a word rarely used for what humans do. The Hebrew word for mercy is “chesed,” a God-word that almost always refers to the way God loves us. Chesed is translated variously as kindness, loving-kindness, mercy and loyalty, but one of the most accurate translations would be “loyal love.” What God wants from you and me today is loyal love; love for Him and a kind of love for other people that demonstrates loyalty and faithfulness to God. Take some time today to consider the relationships you have in your life right now. As you consider these relationships, ask yourself this important question: do I love others with the same loyal love as Jesus loves them?