Justice... Kindness... Humility

             For those who don’t know me very well, I’m a woman who has lived in nine different states and two countries. All of these moves have been what I would consider “big moves.” Our family has had to be reestablished in a many a new city, making new friends, finding grocery stores, doctors, schools, repair people, churches… The list could go on for a while! When I reflect upon those years in which our children were young and my husband busily labored at furthering his education and establishing a career, I can honestly say that two things kept me sane. But one thing made THE difference, not only in the fitness of MY life, but also in that of my family. With small children and an even smaller (so it seemed!) amount of extra income and no relatives nearby, I learned many years ago of two places where I could afford babysitting, and thus retain my sanity. One was the gym at my husband’s school. Families could attend exercise classes for very little money, and the babysitting was inexpensive. Needless to say, those just happened to be “fit” years for me! The other place, which met my deepest needs, was ladies bible study. Again, babysitting fees were nominal. And, as most would guess by looking at me today, the gym days are not as consistent, but I still make all attempts to get some physical exercise and fresh air as I navigate the ups and downs of life. But the time spent in bible study? It has consistently been the discipline that has kept me “glued” as I have faced numerous difficulties in my home, with friends and family, with health, and with finances, among other everyday “trials.” 

And so, the following words are stemming from a contemplator of God’s word who has studied (informally) for many years. Numerous questions have been asked and answers sought from a variety of sources. I have gazed into others’ lives and have, in the very least, considered the belief systems to which many others, around me and around the world, adhere. And I keep returning to God’s word, what so many would name the most beautiful love story ever written. So, with this in mind, I hope you’ll consider the paragraphs that follow.

Most friends and family members have figured out that, while I can be a chattering “cut-up” as well as the rest, I also have a quieter side, and I enjoy silently pondering and learning. Often, these moments leads me to dig deeper, until I find answers. And since I’m being truthful, I don’t always like what I learn! So, one day this week, I had this “random” thought about some words spoken by Micah the prophet:  "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?“(Mic 6:8) (Ligonier Ministries 2005).

Most of you who are  reading this have probably been raised in an area which has been greatly influenced by the Judeo-Christian culture, and you likely share my desire to “do justice, and to love kindness, and…walk humbly with…God,” though I recognize that the last part will certainly lose some. But, many of you, like me, might not fully understand the intended meaning of these words. And so, for those who would like to navigate more carefully, this is how I start “digging.” What is the context of these words? What were the intentions of the author? How was it understood in its original language? If I’m sounding too philosophical, please try to bear with me! I’m opening a window and letting a bit of light shine in on just how I learn. Perhaps something here will help you. And, for the sake of not attempting to replace so many brilliantly written commentaries, I’m going to stick with this solitary verse and keep it simple! 

“Do” means “to do, make, accomplish, or to complete (Warren Baker 2015).

 “Justice" seems to be summed with the meaning of “doing what is right or just in the Lord’s eyes.” This would argue the existence of an absolute truth, which has its basis on the things that the Lord sees as ‘right.’ And then, you have to figure out the identity of the Lord! Can you see how this can be a crazy long process?

“Love”… Now THAT’S a word we grab onto, right? But how do I define it, when I can say that I love my husband and family, I love your new outfit or hairdo, or I love doing research on things that I find to be interesting? The Hebrew (original) word is ‘ahãbâ (first “a” has an accent which is not on my computer!), which refers to human love for another human, toward himself, between a man and woman, or even sexual desire. Well, I guess that leaves out the clothing, hairdos or research projects!

Moving on to “kindness”… Here’s a word we surely understand! We tell our children from the time they are toddlers that they must “Be kind!”  By this we mean, “Don’t hit your sister!” “Share your toys!” and things of that sort. But in this context, the original intent of the author is far richer. Kindness is a major feature of God’s character, like “truth; faithfulness; mercy; steadfastness; justice; righteousness; goodness.”  And apparently, it is used twenty-six times in Psalm 136 in proclaiming that God’s kindness and love are eternal. See? It pays to dig a little deeper!

Certainly, “walk” refers to putting one foot in front of the other, right? But, it seems that it may be metaphorically speaking more of the pathways, or behavior, of one’s life.  As in, “Who are you walking after or imitating?” This brings to mind the weightiness of parenthood. Our children are watching us more closely than we think!

‘Humbly” describes “those who are and act meekly… not arrogant or boastful, especially before the Lord.” Merriam Webster Dictionary states that it means “not thinking of yourself as better than other people.”

“With” sounds more like cooperation than a fight to me!

“Your”… This is a possessive pronoun, insinuating that you have ownership of something (Yes, I remember some things I have been taught!).

And last, but most CERTAINLY not least, we’re back to “God”, or “elôhiym”, referring to God of the bible, or the Creator (Gen 5:1); the King (Ps 47:7,8); the Judge (Ps 50:6); the Lord (Ps 86:12); and the Savior (Hos 13:4), whose character models that loving and kind behavior that we desire to receive from others (and should require of ourselves!). 

In attempt to make better sense of the above pieces of information, I deduce the following: First, I must both accomplish and complete the act of doing what is right or just in the Lord’s eyes. As Lord, he IS the boss! Then, I should add to that a love of and desire to imitate His character, which exemplifies both loving and kind behavior (More on this in another blog!). And finally, I must be characterized as one who models God’s behavior, which is seen in meekness, not in overestimating myself or boasting, especially before him! And, knowing all I know of God (which IS, admittedly, limited but growing), I very strongly desire to walk WITH God—the Creator, King, Judge, Lord, and Savior, among many more things. When I go against him, I KNOW who will lose!

What are your thoughts? I’m thinking I have much to ponder for the rest of this week, and I intend to continue doing so for the rest of my days. Mom and Dad, you taught me well. “Pay attention to the teacher.” I’m still trying!

Bibliography

Ligonier Ministries. The Reformation Study Bible, English Standard Version. Lake Mary, FL: Ligonier Ministries, 2005.

Warren Baker, D.R.E., Eugene Carpenter, Ph.D. The Complete Word Study Dictionary Old Testament. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2015.