He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8, ESV)
On the golf courses here in California, as well as in many other places, one per cart, leaving the flagstick in, no rakes in the bunkers, and perhaps wearing a mask in or near the clubhouse, have all become part of “what is required of us.”
I was playing golf the other day with two friends and a host I had not before met. He was a friend of one of the guys in our group who had invited me to join them at our host’s club. This gentleman seemed to be a nice guy and perhaps the best player in our group but clearly was not a follower of Jesus.
We talked briefly about many of the prominent daily news items: COVID-19, shelter in place, wear a mask, social distancing, Black Lives Matter, institutional racism, and the demands to abolish the police. Each of these topics can bring an element of anxiety, worry, or even fear, depending on your individual circumstances.
What’s a person to do with all this? What is required of us as followers of Jesus when we engage in conversations around these topics? What do you say and how do you say it to someone, who at least externally, does not seem to have the same worldview as yourself? I found myself a bit frustrated, so I silently ask for help. “Lord, what exactly do you require of me in this situation today?”
Perhaps a bit of a friendship will develop that will allow me to take the next step towards helping him see his need for a Savior.
A sermon I had heard a couple weeks ago came to mind. It was from the little prophetic book of Micah, and the central theme was the verse that opens this devo. I’ve read the verse before and listened to several sermons about it. It is certainly not about working for our salvation. However, in light of the situation I was in at that moment, the verse caused me to slow my brain down a bit and see things in a different light. Do what is right, be kind, and be humble! If that is what God wants in our relationship with him, then he wants us to do the same with our fellow man.
The knowledge of the truth of God is the basis for making sure our emotions and feelings are given full effect but also held in check. I remembered how Jesus answered when he was asked, in effect, “What is required of us?” He simply answered with two short statements that sum up what God expects from those who are born again and part of his family. Just two thing: Love him. And love others (Matthew 22:34-40).
In circumstances where I do not have any real personal relationship with the other person, I can always choose to follow the examples of Jesus and love my neighbor. When I think about what God has done for me and what the Lord really requires of me, it is transformative.
I was able to finish the round on a good note with my new acquaintance. I focused on doing what was right, being as kind and humble as I could possibly be. Rather than push him away by saying or doing the wrong thing, we laughed and were able to exchange contact information. I have already invited him to play with me next week at my club. Perhaps a bit of a friendship will develop that will allow me to take the next step towards helping him see his need for a Savior.
We can take the application of these verses to other areas of our life beyond golf as well. I encourage you today, no matter what circumstance you might find yourself in, to do what is right, always be kind, and walk humbly with God.
—
Marty Jacobus
August 26, 2020
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The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.
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