Right, mercy, humility are good for the soul

Ever been threatened by someone saying, “If you know what’s good for you…”?

Although it may have been expressed as a warning, it is a good question to ask. Do we know what is good for us, and how do we know?

Perhaps the most popular determinant is our emotions. We seek the experiences and choices that will bring about pleasant results, believing pleasure equals good. But this assumes that unpleasant experiences are not good. We know this is untrue, for it is often the nasty issues of life that develop us and strengthen our character.

Many look to society for their definition of good. We are told what is acceptable, fashionable, what to buy, where to go, etc. However, it does not take long following this route to realize its definition of good is both fickle and elusive.

Just when we buy the things we are supposed to buy, look the way we are to look, and do the things we are supposed to do, we find out it has all changed and it is no longer the “in” thing.

So how do we know what is good for us? The prophet Micah tells us, “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)

Live righteously, show mercy and live humbly. Then we will surely we know what is good for us.

Pastor Mark Holmes is an ordained minister in the Wesleyan Church and has served the Darrow Road Wesleyan Church since 1997.

Tags: community, family, religion