“He has shown you, O mortal, 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 NIV
This week, I had the opportunity to visit the National Center for Civil Rights in Atlanta, Georgia. As a descendant of the Deep South, meaning I don’t know my ancestry in a meaningful way beyond the borders of America, visits to museums like this are always hard for me. Whether the National Museum of African-American Heritage and Culture in DC, or the Museum of African-American History in Beacon Hill, Boston, MA, I always walk away wondering: am I doing enough?
Fun fact, my hometown in Alabama, the land of my maternal ancestors is Demopolis, Alabama. Demopolis is about a 30-45 minute drive to Selma, AL. In 1965, my mother heard about the efforts of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma; she was 12 years old. As the youngest of the family, and the most revolutionary by default she begged my grandmother to attend the March on Selma for Civil Rights. My grandmother, like any protective parent, gave my mom an unequivocal “no.” Yet, my mother pressed and my grandmother still resolved in her “no” asked my mom questions. The most notable of which was: “How will you get there?” To which my mom responded, “I’ll hitch a ride!” Mom’s resilience was unparalleled!!!
As a parent protecting her child, I understand why my grandma refused to allow the child that God placed in her charge to attend that march on the Edmund Pettus bridge. At the same time, as I viewed the tribute to those who did brave the march, many of whom were injured, and some who perished, two songs came to mind “My life is not my own” and “Is my living in vain?.”
You see, it hit me, this week in ways that it never did before, never so crystallized, never so clear that I’m not on this earth for my own comfort and riches. “The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.” (1 John 2:17) Sure, a well-paying job is nice. Certainly, the ability to pay for experiences, own “fashionable” clothes, and have savings in the bank is a blessing. But I realized it’s not my purpose on this earth. It’s not yours either.
I’m not saying we should be paupers or martyrs, but it is clear that God’s word in Micah commands us “…to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly.” While the path may look different for each of us, I have to wonder if the world has influenced us to stray away from proper priorities? Surrendering our lives to Christ for His exclusive use is scary as all get out. There’s no way to sugar coat it: relinquishing control, abandoning the known, and embracing discomfort are bold moves that require unbridled faith and often full surrender of our plans to the Lord. We must “persevere so that when you [we] have done the will of God, you [we] will receive what He has promised.” (Hebrews 10:36)
Reflection
Do you chase the things of this world more than you chase Him? Are there things you feel compelled to do but hesitate because it would make life uncomfortable? How can you walk into what God has asked of you?
Prayer
Lord, thank you for desiring more for me than I want for myself. Forgive me for being fearful or blatantly ignoring what You want for me. Like the Psalmist, teach me to do your will for you are my good God. May your spirit lead me on level ground. (143:10) In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
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