What God Requires
Over the centuries, people have developed an amazing variety of ways of worshiping God.
In Eastern Orthodox churches, incense, and icons help believers make contact with the mysteries of God.
In Catholic churches, the celebration of the Mass helps believers experience the sacramental presence of Christ in their midst.
Protestants worship God with an astounding variety of methods and styles. In many Baptist churches, the emphasis is on sermons that illustrate lessons from the Word of God.
In Pentecostal and charismatic congregations, the congregation gives the Holy Spirit room to work.
In many newer churches, people in blue jeans sing contemporary praise choruses that include elements of pop and rock music.
In Micah, one of the final books of the Old Testament, the people wondered what kinds of observance God required when they gathered for worship.
Foremost in their minds was their concern about how to show proper repentance for their many sins.
Micah spoke for the people, asking what God demanded:
With what shall I come before the LORD and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old?
But God wasn’t concerned primarily with external demonstrations of reverence. Burnt offerings and ritual sacrifices weren’t the things he wanted to see.
Rather, God demanded a deeper commitment.
He wanted people to worship him from the depths of their hearts and live their lives in such a way that their daily actions revealed their love for God: “And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy / and to walk humbly with your God.”
God commanded his people to act justly: Don’t cheat your neighbor and then come to my altar to make a sacrifice. Don’t exploit your workers and then come make some kind of superficial religious show.
God also commanded his people to love mercy: When you see someone in need, reach out in love and compassion. When someone is hopeless or weary, provide strength and courage.
Finally, God commanded his people to worship him with humility: Crucify your pride. Lay your ego on the altar. Come before me recognizing that I am God and that you are not
People can worship God in all kinds of ways, but the principles of worship never change. God wants us to live lives of justice, mercy, and humility.
If these virtues take root in your life, God will graciously accept your worship, no matter what outward form it takes.
God, help me be the just and merciful servant you want me to be.