Clark’s Devotionals

Micah brings faithfulness down from abstract religious discussion into the way we actually live. God requires justice, mercy, and humility. These qualities belong together. Justice without mercy can become harsh and self-righteous. Mercy without justice can become sentimental and unwilling to confront wrong. Humility keeps both from becoming tools of pride. To do justly is to treat people fairly, speak truthfully, refuse partiality, and resist benefiting from what is wrong. To love mercy is more than occasionally showing compassion; it is developing a heart that delights in extending kindness, patience, and forgiveness. To walk humbly with God is to remember that we are creatures, not the final measure of truth. We depend upon His wisdom, receive His grace, and remain teachable. Humility also changes the way we address wrongdoing. We can stand for truth without imagining ourselves morally superior to everyone we correct. These commands touch ordinary situations: how we speak about people who disagree with us, how we treat employees or customers, whether we manipulate circumstances for personal advantage, whether we listen before judging, and whether we admit when we are wrong. God is interested not only in what we profess but in the kind of people our worship is producing.