Topic: The LORD’s Requirements
Bible Reading: Micah 6; 7, Revelation 12.
Memory Verse: “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Micah 6:8 (KJV)
Character is defined as strength of moral fiber. Descriptions of man of principle and woman of integrity are expressions of character. A lack of character is moral deficiency. People who lack character behave unethically, dishonestly and uncharitably. A person’s character is the sum of his or her disposition, thoughts, intentions, desires and actions . So character is based on a whole life and not a few cases. Character is demonstrated in actions but true character resides in the heart. This is because the motive behind every action is also important. And for a Christian, the motive behind the action makes it godly.
Christian character begins with faith in Christ because without faith, it is impossible to please God.(Hebrew 11:6). And a Christian character will show a godly motive and action. A Christian character will focus on pleasing and glorifying God. This is why Romans 12:2 (KJV) says, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” So God expects that the process of sanctification should remould a believer’s character.
A lot of Christians fast and pray a lot these days without any result to show for it because the underlying challenge, which is character, has not been resolved. It’s like building a mansion on an unstable foundation, it’s a matter of time, it will collapse. That is why religion without character is fraud! No amount of spiritual penance that can substitute for character. The Shunammite woman in 2 Kings 4:8-36 must have prayed and possibly fasted severally without having a child but when she became generous and opened her house to a prophet of God, her childlessness came to an end. It was her character that opened the door for her.
She took in Elisha into her house without expecting anything in return but God surprised her! All that is needed in most cases is for people to remould their character to that of Christ and several things being sought will easily come unto them. No wonder the bible says in Matthew 6:33 (KJV), “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
If Character is remoulded, the requirements of the Lord as stated in Micah 6:8 (KJV), “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” would have been easy for the Israelites. The same applies to us today!
Action point: Check your character and remould where necessary calling on God for help.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero