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by Kevin Pauley
But the one who boasts should boast in this, that he understands and knows Me - that I am the Lord, showing faithful love, justice, and righteousness on the earth, for I delight in these things.[This is] the Lord's declaration. – Jeremiah 9:24 HCSB
A young person once mused aloud, “I know that for salvation I must place my trust in Christ.[1] But in what way should that act change my life? How should I live?” Fortunately he was standing near a scruffy bunch of old men who happened to hear him.
“You need to show faithful love, justice and righteousness in order to please God.” Jeremiah responded. “God doesn’t care so much about religious rituals as He does that you listen to and obey Him.”[2]
Isaiah piped up, “I agree. If you want to have a close relationship with God and be rewarded by Him, you need to practice righteousness, speak truthfully and fairly, spurn dishonest gain, refuse bribes, don’t encourage violence and hatred, and avoid anything that might lead you to evil behavior.[3] In fact, if you don’t follow these principles, your very prayers will turn God off – He simply won’t listen!”[4]
Being long-winded, Isaiah continued, saying “God seriously isn’t into starving the body, genuflections or sackcloth and ashes. What He really loves is when His people let the oppressed go free and break off every yoke. He likes it when we share what we have with the poor and hungry. He gets excited when we see needs and take care of them, like taking a miserable wretch into our home, clothing a naked person, or providing for our families.”[5]
“In fact,” broke in Amos, “God doesn’t even really like our praise and worship music if it’s not backed up by a kind of justice that wells up like waters and righteousness that flows like a mighty stream.”[6]
Hosea stepped over and placed his hand on the young man’s shoulder. “In all these great works, don’t forget simple acts of kindness: a smile, a nod, a touch or a small mitzvah. God is more impressed by these than by the greatest sacrifice.”[7]
Zechariah nodded, “I agree with Hosea. Render true justice, be kind and merciful, do not oppress the weak and do not plot evil[8]. Forgetting these things, not the neglect of rituals and fancy worship tools, will cause God’s anger to rise.”[9]
Not to be outdone, Malachi stood and gave the boy the underlying reason for all this good behavior. “Have we not all one Father? Did not one God create us? Why would you break faith with another of His children, seeing that you are both answerable to the same God?”[10]
The young man began to back away – “Uh, thanks guys. But I was thinking more along the lines of wearing a WWJD bracelet or getting a perfect attendance pin or something. Thanks anyway.” He quickly strode away, humming the latest Jars of Clay tune, never realizing he was an idolater.[11]
Kevin Pauley is a pastor and writer. He lives in Illinois with his wife, Lynn, their five children and two dogs. His internet address is Berea.
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