We see in Section 11.4 of Theology Corner entitled “Can We be Saved by Obedience to the Law of God?” that the idea of living life in complete accordance with the Great Commandment is a non sequitur for Christians even though they have received the great gift of salvation. Instead, the Christian life is precisely the daily dying to sin and living to pursue righteousness that constitutes a life of repentance, faith and obedience continually reaffirmed and renewed. Living in perfect accordance with the Great Commandment means living on a mountain peak far beyond the reach of Christians. Instead we try to demonstrate some level of obedience by climbing the steep path of daily confession and renewal and praying that the mountain peak will occasionally be visible, above us, through the fog. We frequently look for certain trail markers along the way to ensure that we haven’t veered off the path toward the edge of a deep canyon.
Three trail markers are suggested in Micah.
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)
God’s norm of justice demands a level of righteousness available only from God. God’s norm of kindness means maintaining a level of mercy available only through loving God and loving our neighbors as ourselves. God’s norm of humility requires a constant awareness that God initiates, advances and perfects every good thing in us. He leads each of us from one step to another as he finds response in our heart and disposition for obedience.
(See also Sections 11.1, 11.4, 11.7, 11.8, 11.9, 11.10 and 11.12 of Theology Corner)
