DO YOU KNOW WHAT GOD WANTS FOR CHRISTMAS? Similarly, do you have Him on your Christmas list? Some of us have spent countless hours pondering what gift to purchase for those that are near and dear to our hearts. Likewise, I believe the prophet Micah provides us with the perfect gift to present to God this Christmas and for the rest of our lives. Since I have aroused the curiosity of some, what is the answer? Well, our chosen Scripture (Micah 6:8) cites three gifts that we can give God.
First, we should give God the gift of acting JUSTLY towards others (Micah 6:8a).
God wants us to be fair in our dealings with others. In the movie, "The Color Purple," veteran actor Danny Glover plays the cruel and indifferent character, Albert. Albert does not act "justly" towards Celie, played by Whoopi Goldberg. She endures abuse, ridicule and is downright unappreciated. In the progress of time, Ms. Celie places Mr. [Albert] in check and liberates herself from his tyranny. The Bible declares, ". . . For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" (Galatians 6:7b), Albert learns this truth firsthand. Similarly, many influential people in Israel during Micah’s day were not treating others justly and God was not pleased (Micah 2:1-2). Therefore, let us always seek to be just in our dealings with others.
Second, we should give God the gift of showing LOVING KINDNESS to others (Micah 6:8b).
The phrase "loving kindness" encapsulates the Hebrew word "Hesed," which carries the idea of "loyal love." Specifically, Micah is pressing this idea of loyal love so that Israel [her spiritual and political leaders] would carry through on their commitments to meet the needs of others. This neglect was readily evident during Micah’s day (Micah 2:8-9; 3:10-11). As the people of God, we must ensure that we never exploit anyone. Jesus vehemently demonstrated His displeasure towards such exploitation when He drove the thieving moneychangers from the Temple (Mk 11:15-17; John 2:13-18).
Finally, we should give God the gift of WALKING HUMBLY with Him (Micah 6:8c).
The truth claim here is to serve and have fellowship with God in modesty, not arrogance. Lucifer’s arrogance expressed by his pride lead to his fall (1 Timothy 3:6; Isaiah 14:12-15). The Bible says, "That pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18 NIV). Therefore, you must be extremely careful not to allow blessings to cause you to become spiritually arrogant in your walk with the Lord.
And in conclusion, let us rejoice in the angels’ declaration: "Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men" (Luke 2:14, KJV); and from my family to yours,
"Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!"