Strong spirits: what am I to do?
There's a pretty simple answer, really, but it's not easy to fulfill.
Maybe you are saying to yourself, "With all that is going on, coming at me from every side, what am I to do? What does God expect of me?" God is glad you asked! And he has an answer...
"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." the prophet Micah (Micah 6:8)
It's a pretty simple answer, really, but not easy to fulfill. It is fully in keeping with the character of God himself.
- Act justly means do what's right. Always. No matter the cost. Always work to alleviate injustice. Put the needs of others ahead of your own.
- Love mercy means love above all else. Let God love others through you, yes, even the strangers, even your enemies. Be merciful to all. God is.
- Walk humbly tells us we are on a journey with God. That alone should keep us humble. Except in the dictionary, humility always precedes honor. Be humble.
What are we to do? Do this. It will take a lifetime of practice to get it right.
Start now.
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Besides serving as pastor at Caledonia Congregational Church, Gary Schwerin is the Spiritual Development Minister for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and Executive Director of Bridge Ministries of Rockford. Prior to launching Bridge Ministries, Gary spent many years in leadership with Young Life. His columns appear here every Sunday - to see them all, subscribe to our daily email.
