"He has showed you, O man, 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 like to proclaim Micah 6:8 as my life's motto. If I were a company, I would be reported to the Better Business Bureau for false advertising.
Sometimes I am amazed and broken hearted by my ability to pass right by someone in need. The fact that it is hot, and I am tired, and I am in a hurry do not seem adequate reasons for failing to act justly and show mercy. Not too many days ago, I used those very excuses for my failure to respond. I didn't sleep all night. I was haunted by the need of the person I passed. It still brings tears to my eyes to remember. Oh, I tried to make up for it by passing out water and granola bars and buying 6 Contributors in 30 minutes from 6 different vendors, but I remain aware of the ease with which I passed that lonely, stranded vet. Maybe he was not even who his sign proclaimed. That does not matter. I failed to live my motto.
Do I "walk humbly with my God?" One of my greatest failings as a "believer" is thinking that God and I have the same mind. Certainly, he must dislike the same people I dislike. How can he not grow impatient with the elderly lady who waits until all her groceries are bagged to pull out her checkbook? Who wouldn't figure that those celebrities or young people, or addicts get exactly what they deserve when their lives fall apart? They made their choices. When I am being my most honest, I know that God does not dislike the people I dislike...He dislikes my disliking. He is more concerned with my impatience than with the lack of urgency of the lady at the store. I think He is more dismayed with my arrogant lack of realization that I do not want what I deserve, than the results of other's choices. They are broken ~ He can help them. My spiritual haughtiness hinders me greatly. I have failed again in living my motto.
Have mercy on me O God...according to your great compassion.
blessings
Oh my, you are certainly not alone. I stopped at a traffic light the other day and there was a man sweating profusely with a sign about needing money. I was irritated and in a hurry, but got out a few dollars and gave it to him, leaving a $20 bill in my wallet and feeling so good about my generosity! It doesn't matter whether he was actually in need, but whether my heart was willing! When will we learn??
ReplyDeletePrecious thoughts Marilyn and muchly needed! Thanks!