Scripture is rich in identifying God’s values for us to better understand and follow Him. One of my favorite verses in this regard is Micah 6:8 which teaches, “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.” So, what does this look like in practice? How can we, as sinful people in a fallen world, live by the values of God’s Kingdom?
The simple answer is we alone cannot do this. However, we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. The key to doing all things through Christ is to live our life in and for Christ and surround ourselves with like-minded people.
The Bible describes God as holy, pure, good, righteous, just, merciful, trustworthy, faithful–a God of grace and love. As we learn more about God, we also learn more about ourselves, because as God’s children we are spiritually created in His image and called to be His witnesses.
Through the knowledge of our true identity and the divine power of the Holy Spirit, we are convicted and equipped to live by the values of God’s Kingdom. Apart from God, the Vine, we can do nothing. Our faith and knowledge of God grows through worship, prayer, studying Scripture, and service.
As we continue to seek the same things as God is seeking for us, then we manifest “good fruit.” Galatians 5:22-23 teaches, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Do you notice a similar message in Micah 6:8 and Galatians 5:22-23?
God has clearly stated what he desires from us, and also understands that we are weak humans. The Holy Spirit lives in each of us and serves as the Advocate for us through intercessory prayer to the Father, which surely includes praying for each of us to live by the values of God’s Kingdom.
The Christian journey is one of peaks and valleys and sometimes bouncing between one guardrail and the other as we struggle to hear the Voice of our Lord and tune out the voice of self, society, and the enemy. There are many times in life when we simply fall short. Thank God for His values and also His grace!
By Todd Shupe, Ph.D., Certified Men’s Ministry & Certified Lay Speaker
