Do What You Know

My wife and I often use the phrase “scale down.”  We use it when we find ourselves a bit overwhelmed with the choices in front of us.  The phrase came out of a few simple contexts that most people find themselves in.  When we couldn’t find the appropriate gift for someone at a “fancy” story, we “scaled down” and went to someplace like Target.  When we couldn’t decide where to go for dinner, we “scaled down” and settled for a burger or pizza.  Sometimes it helps us to pull back from all the options and just simplify a few things.

This holds true in our spiritual life as well.  While I might not use the phrase “scale down,” I would encourage us as believers to “do what we know.”  That’s the point of the eighth century prophet Micah.  When the people of Israel struggled with how to live, Micah reminded them of the basics.  He told them to do what they know.  He says, “No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you:  to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8, NLT)

God is not interested in us simply going through the motions of religious activity.  Religious expression is important, but it doesn’t guarantee our hearts our right with God.  Nor does it ensure our behavior is what it should be.  Instead, we need to live righteously – to do the right things.  In our quest to do the right things, be sure it is God defining what is right and what is not. 

Furthermore, we need to love mercy.  We appreciate what God has done for us and we are willing to extend grace, love, and mercy to others.  God is fiercely loyal to us, and we in turn should give Him our loyalty.  We understand that we do not deserve God’s love and affection.  In His great mercy, He loves us in spite of who we are and what we have done.

Finally, we walk in humility.  I’m not perfect.  Neither are you.  As a matter of fact, the only perfect person to ever walk this planet was crucified for all of us who are flawed.  God in His great love for us reached out to us.  His perfection pursued our imperfection.  We are not His because we are special.  We are special because we are His.

In his farewell address, George Washington referenced this verse as he said his good-byes to his troops and the colonial governors.  He urged this new nation to build upon the principles Micah set forth.  As you and I build our lives, it would do us well to endeavor to learn as much as we can, but to remember to “do what we know.”

Not Good, but Better

It’s the day after an Ohio State BCS game and Buckeye fans don’t have a lot to celebrate.  For the third straight year, the Bucks were beaten in a big-time bowl game.  This year, however, feels a little different (at least to me).  For one, they gained over 200 yards on the ground against the number two rushing defense in the nation.  Furthermore, they held the high powered Texas offense to 24 points.  They did all of this without Beanie Wells down the stretch.  There are a few other things to ponder.  The defense came up inches short on a fourth down stop in the final minute.  Perhaps OSU scored too quickly on their last touchdown, and they did leave seven points on the board (a missed field goal and two failed two-point conversion attempts).  Don’t get me wrong, a loss is still a loss.  It was nice, however, to be in the game until the end.  It was also nice to see Todd Boeckman play fairly well.  Here’s hoping for a better ‘09.