Micah 6:8 Provides Three Essential Principles for Intentional Living
TL;DR
- The core requirement of worship is not ritualistic offerings but a life actively lived through doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God, forming believers into God's intended purpose.
- The number three holds sacred significance in Celtic tradition and scripture, symbolizing wholeness and offering a framework for expressing commitments, as seen in faith, simplicity, and generosity.
- Focusing on three essential things, inspired by Micah 6:8, provides a guiding principle for personal growth and intentional living, particularly relevant when approaching a new year or reflecting on life.
- The concept of a "third way," often associated with the number three, encourages breaking free from dualistic thinking and embracing more creative, integrated approaches to complex issues.
- Practicing justice, kindness, and humility together prevents an overemphasis on one aspect of faith at the expense of others, fostering a more balanced and holistic spiritual life.
Deep Dive
The core message of this sermon is that Micah 6:8 provides three essential, actionable principles--doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God--that serve as a profound guide for life and worship, particularly relevant as individuals approach a new year. These principles are presented not as mere abstract ideals, but as the very essence of what God requires, forming the foundation for a transformed soul and a life that glorifies God, transcending superficial acts of worship.
The significance of these three principles is amplified by their recurring presence in scripture, Christian tradition, and even Celtic monasticism, where the number three held sacred importance. This recurring pattern suggests a divine emphasis on interconnected, foundational truths. The sermon posits that these three elements--justice, kindness, and humility--are not to be pursued in isolation, but rather in a balanced, integrated manner, reflecting a "third way" of thinking that moves beyond dualistic extremes. For instance, one could become so focused on justice that kindness is neglected, or vice-versa. Walking humbly with God, however, provides the necessary perspective to integrate these seemingly disparate actions.
The practical implication of these three essential things is that they offer a framework for discerning what truly matters, both in personal growth and in communal practice. As individuals consider life commitments or resolutions, focusing on these three tenets can lead to a more meaningful and impactful path. The sermon suggests that these principles are not just about outward actions but are intended to form the inner person, transforming the soul. Ultimately, the call is to identify and commit to these three essential things, recognizing that they represent the core of a life lived in accordance with divine will, offering a profound alternative to superficial engagement and providing a guide for navigating life's complexities with purpose and integrity.
Action Items
- Audit personal practices: Identify 3 areas where "doing justice" can be strengthened (ref: Micah 6:8).
- Implement "love kindness" principle: For 3-5 interactions daily, consciously practice compassion and forgiveness (ref: Micah 6:8).
- Track "walking humbly" moments: Note 5-10 instances per week where awareness of God's presence or reliance on divine guidance is evident (ref: Micah 6:8).
- Draft personal "three essential things" list: Define 3 guiding commitments for the upcoming year, inspired by Celtic monastic traditions.
Key Quotes
"He has told you, O mortal, what is good and what does the Lord require: Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God."
The speaker, Pastor Dane, presents this verse from Micah 6:8 as a foundational scripture that personally called him to ministry. He highlights that these three actions--doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God--are what worship is ultimately meant to embody, rather than just offerings or sacrifices.
"The number three was of sacred importance to the Celtic people and to the Celtic leaders and the monks among them indeed; the Celtic monks would often express their desires and their convictions and commitments before God in sets of three."
Pastor Dane explains the significance of the number three within Celtic Christian tradition, noting that monks frequently articulated their spiritual lives through triads. This practice, he suggests, aligns with the three core principles presented in Micah 6:8, indicating a historical and spiritual resonance for this structure.
"God doesn't denigrate worship or the act of worship, but God points the people of Israel to what worship is meant to do: worship is meant to form the people of God."
This quote clarifies Pastor Dane's interpretation of God's message through the prophet Micah. He emphasizes that divine requirements extend beyond ritualistic acts of worship to the formation of character and behavior in believers, shaping them into people who embody justice, kindness, and humility.
"Father Richard Rohr is famous for talking about a third way that the number three helps break us out of our dualistic thinking our either or thinking and invites us into a more creative way of seeing that there are other ways available to us if we would but have eyes to see and ears to hear."
Pastor Dane introduces Father Richard Rohr's concept of a "third way" as illuminated by the number three. This perspective, he explains, encourages moving beyond binary choices and embracing a more expansive and creative understanding of how to approach life and spiritual practice.
"I wonder what three essential things you might commit yourself to and identify in your life in this season as we move into the new year."
Pastor Dane concludes by posing a reflective question to the congregation, encouraging them to identify three essential things for their lives as the new year approaches. He links this personal reflection back to the theme of Micah 6:8 and the Celtic tradition of focusing on key commitments.
Resources
External Resources
Books
- "Micah 6:8" - Mentioned as a guiding passage of scripture that surfaced during studies in college and became special as it indirectly called the speaker into ministry.
Articles & Papers
- "Micah 6:8" (The Bible) - Referenced as a passage of scripture that is beautiful and challenging, presenting three core principles: do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God.
People
- Saint Ita of Killeedy - Mentioned as a figure who famously focused on faith, simplicity, and generosity.
- Abba Benjamin - Referenced for his teaching that joy at all times, prayer without ceasing, and giving thanks for all things will save and transform the soul.
- Father Richard Rohr - Mentioned for his concept of a "third way" that helps break dualistic thinking.
Organizations & Institutions
- South Elkhorn Christian Church - Mentioned as the host of the sermon podcast.
- Center College - Mentioned as the college where the speaker played football and was invited to work with youth at a church.
- Perville Christian Church - Mentioned as a rural church outside of Danville, Kentucky, where the speaker began pastoring.
- Christian Church Disciples of Christ - Mentioned as the denomination of which Perville Christian Church and South Elkhorn are a part, and into which the speaker was ordained.
- Church of the Nazarene - Mentioned as the denomination the speaker grew up in.
Other Resources
- The Trinity - Mentioned as a theological concept of God in three persons, blessed Trinity.
- Faith, Hope, and Love (1 Corinthians) - Referenced as famous lines of three from scripture, with love being the greatest.
- Righteousness, Peace, and Joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17) - Mentioned as a set of three from scripture, representing the Kingdom of God.
- Celtic Advent - Mentioned as a theme and practice being continued, looking at insights from ancient Christian tradition.
- Celtic Monastics - Mentioned as a group who would express desires, convictions, and commitments before God in sets of three.
- Desert Fathers - Mentioned as an inspiration for Celtic monks who often expressed life principles and commitments in sets of three.
- Funeral Planning Guide - Mentioned as a resource available for families to help describe a loved one with three words.