Micah 6:8 - How do I know what is right?

"No, o Israel, 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)

"Warning": This is a long post; I didn't want to break your letter into sections!

Hello, Mrs. Kurtz.

     Your blog posts have been very thought provoking, so much that I continue to go back and reread and look into the topics more. I love it! The post on "do what is right," as well as the article you gave me (World Magazine, "No Coddling Allowed", March 03, 2018), have particularly given me a lot to chew on. 

     The idea that I may have a clouded sense of morality based on the culture I'm in is quite frightening. As a Christian, I must begin to confront these long held beliefs of mine to see if they are Biblical. Truth be told, this is something I've been putting off for a while now. The article spoke on this very issue, saying that many believers have "an intellectual fear of not complying to the popular message of tolerance--the fear of being politically incorrect, being countercultural". 

     For this reason I feel I have brushed aside many of the controversial aspects of the Bible, paritcularly those conflicting with modern social issues. I have been focused on being tolerant rather than being Biblical. 

     Now is the time I change that. I need to take a critical look at what the Bible says is right and listen to the Spirit rather than ignoring it in order to be a "friend of the world". 

"You adulterers! Don't you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God". (James 4:4)

     Your article and blog post raised a lot of questions. 

• What does the Bible say about society and "social justice"? 
• How can I have faith that God's way is best, when I have believed things differently for a long time? 
• How can I abandon my old morals/standards? 
• How can I be "countercultural"? 
• Do you have any tips for doing what is right rather than what is comfortable?

    As always, I will continue to be in prayer and in the Word, and hopefully I'll come to terms with a lot of these issues. 

"But if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don't worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it." (1 Peter 3:14-15)

Dear friend,

     I rejoice to read your questions and to hear your desire to have the mind of Christ! If I could create a list of questions to ask a believer (new or experienced), I would have a hard time outlining a better one.

• Your questions show the right perspective: you are acknowledging that there is one right way, God's way.
• Your questions demonstrate a correct attitude: you want to discover where your previously-held beliefs conflict with the Word of God.
• You are not looking for excuses; you are searching for the truth.
• Your questions reflect your heart's desire: to know what is right and to do it.

     Here are some thoughts to consider:

The best way to learn what is right is to study the source of all Truth, God's Word. Read it and accept it by faith, even when what you read is difficult or uncomfortable. Read. Study. Ask questions. Read again and again and again. It is "alive and powerful". It will transform you.

"For the Word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before His eyes, and He is the One to whom we are accountable." (Hebrews 4:12-13)

Ask the Lord for help in understanding. The work of the Spirit in you is to help you know the truth.

"When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth." (John 16:13)

Immerse yourself in the Word. Spend time with His people. Do not withdraw from the world; you can live in the world without giving into it.

"I have given them Your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I'm not asking You to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by Your truth; teach them Your word, which is truth. Just as You sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give Myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by Your truth." (John 17: 14-19)

Use Scripture to understand Scripture. In other words, we're back to studying it! The Bible is one unified message, and it is consistent. The more you delve into it, the more all of it will make sense. The more you're in it, the more you will be transformed by it.     

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Heavenly Father, Our deepest desire is to know You and to be like You. Will You guide us as we study? Will You enable us to discern what is truth and what is counterfeit? Thank You for giving us Your Spirit to guide us into the truth!

The "Ancient Words" of the Bible are "ever true".