A Personal Mission Statement

The book of Micah is pretty intense. The people of God certainly were not acting like it- just to name a few issues that were pointed out by Micah- plotting to do evil, coveting, thievery, murder, taking bribes, distorting the truth for others, etc. While Micah is pretty harsh on the leaders (and rightly so since they lead the people to sin and then had the gall to ask for God's help when things got hard) the people should have also spoken up for what is right. In Micah, we find a wonderful nugget to apply to all ages for all Christians. Our ministry is to be three-fold if you are a Christian.

Micah 6:8
He has told you, O man, what is good:
And what does the LORD require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God?

God literally says "I've already told you what to do, you just need to do it!" This brought me to what Jesus stated His ministry was on earth. In His own personal mission statement in Luke 4:18-19 we find it. Let me set the stage. Jesus goes to the synagogue on Sabbath and he was to read from Isaiah. Isaiah had already prophesied these words. The verses state:

THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME,
BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR
HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES,
AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND,
TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED,
TO PROCLAIM THE FAVORABLE YEAR OF THE LORD.

He then follows that up with v. 21 which states, " .... Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." The men in the synagogue in v.22 respond: "And all were speaking well of Him, and wondering at the gracious words which were falling from His lips;and they were saying , "Is this not Joseph's son?" So obviously they were shocked because Jesus was the son of a carpenter which was not looked upon as anything of high social status in that time and yet He just stated he was the fulfillment of prophecy. Keep in mind these people did not have the New Testament, only the Old. This was all the Scripture they knew!

So how does the ministry of Jesus relate to us?

-Doing justice: Jesus specifically stated that His emphasis was on the poor, captive, blind, and oppressed not just literally but spiritually as well. We should share the gospel with all as well as help meet the needs of those who can't meet needs for themselves. Remember, when Jesus extended salvation to others he met their practical needs (healing the blind, lame) before he told them to sin no more

- Loving kindness: Are you kind to the unkind? Are you kind to the people who hate Christians? Who work at Planned Parenthood? Who get promotions and have lied and cheated to get them? Do others see the love of Jesus through you? Jesus loved all, even the thief on the cross. His salvation is for all and His love is for all people. Why else would he sacrifice His only son and put the weight of all sin on Him? Are you practically kind and loving to all? Furthermore, do you love to be kind to others who don't deserve it?

-Walk humbly with our God: Jesus stated he was here to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord- in other words bring Himself and His Father the glory deserved. Our primary focus is the be the glory of the Lord. Are you humble in your every day dealings? In submission to the Lord? In admitting your power comes from Christ alone?

The Lord has told us what to do so let's do it! Make this Scripture you personal mission statement. Justice, Kindness, Humility- all glory to God!