The Micah Mandate: Balancing the Christian Life
George Grant
In our topsy-turvy, hurly-burly world, Christians often find themselves wondering how they should relate to the problems of their society. Some suggest activism: political involvement that tries to change society by grabbing the reins of power, enacting just laws, and enforcing them with no exceptions. Other suggest withdrawal: prayer, fasting, and focusing on helping individuals, one's own family, and the religious community. Neither approach is correct, according to George Grant. "The model of Christian living is best illustrated in the world of the prophet Micah."
"To act justly" — in a world where even the justice system follows political trends and chases after contemporary fads, Grant calls for a permanent standard of justice. He finds the scriptures provide unchanging principles and standards for wisely doing justice.
"And to love mercy" — those who lead must first be compassionate and merciful in serving others. No political activism, advocacy, or theology can replace mercy for those who are unjustly wronged.
"And to walk humbly with your God" — walking implies a peaceful relationship, and humility before God provides the key ingredient needed for a balanced perspective that responds to compassionate social action.
Without such God-provided guidance as the basis for the balance and sanity necessary for a well-rounded Christian life, the efforts of Christians to redeem society are doomed to failure. Apart from God, human nature always destroys what it seeks to accomplish. Thus the message of the prophet Micah is a powerful instruction for all who would forge a bond between the inner principles of faith and the outward action of mercy and compassion.
 | GEORGE GRANT is director of the King’s Meadow Study Center, editor of the Stirling Bridge newsletter, president of the Covenant Classical School Association, and professor of moral philosophy at Bannockburn College. The author or coauthor of more than fifty books, he lives in Middle Tennessee. |
$10.95, Paperback
ISBN-10: 1-58182-055-0 (Paperback)
ISBN-13: 978-1-58182-055-3 (Paperback)
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