Micah 6:8: “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.” “Require” is a strong word. A synonym would be “demand.” What does the Lord “demand” of you?
- Act justly
- Love mercy
- Walk humbly with God
These are not qualities we can accomplish with our carnal, human nature. It requires some spiritual help.
It is very plain from Scripture that we are in a spiritual battle, that it is not a flesh and blood battle, but a spiritual battle. As such, the Lord has given us spiritual weapons.
2 Corinthians 10:4 says, “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.” KJV. Ephesians 6:12 “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in heavenly places. The word “carnal” means “governed by mere human nature, not by the spirit of God.
The chaos that we see in our world today is being orchestrated by the spiritual forces of evil in heavenly places. If we succumb to using natural weapons, we will end up contributing to the chaos. This might mean refraining from getting embroiled in controversy on social media.
Translated into everyday language, what are our weapons? Prayer, worship and the Bible!!
Prayer. We are told in Scripture to pray for those in authority over us. 1 Timothy 2:1-2: “I urge then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone –for kings and all those in authority that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” We should pray for President Trump and Governor Newsome, for our mayor and senators. And all the more so, if we don’t agree with them. A national election is coming in a little over three months. We should be praying that whoever God ordains will be voted into office.
Worship. 2 Chronicles 20 records how the army coming against Judah was defeated as worshipers went ahead of the army into battle. Verse 22: “As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.”
The Bible. We have no greater weapon. Hebrews 4:12. “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword. It penetrates even to dividing of soul and spirit, joints and marrow, it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” I cannot begin to enumerate all the times God has spoken his word to me just when I needed it. The words spoken by Jesus defeated Satan when Jesus was tempted after fasting. Over and over he said, “It is written.”
Act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God.
Naomi Brinkman
