Financial Discipleship – the Bible on RestitutionSample

One of my favorite Bible verses is Micah 6:8.

For much of the book of Micah, and specifically chapter 6, things are not good with the Israelites, and God is upset. They are living dishonest and corrupt lives, taking advantage of each other for financial gain. They have rejected God, and judgment is coming.

In verse 8, Micah provides clarity and a path forward for the people. He says, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

Practically speaking, what a great framework for how to live!

Can you imagine a world where we all did the right things? Where we are kind and compassionate to each other and lived fully surrendered to God?

It would be the ultimate display of God over money.

Micah 6:8 has always impacted me powerfully for three reasons...

1. Micah tells us the Lord requires certain things of us.

This begs the question: Is the Bible a summary of requirements or suggestions? In my view, it speaks to the importance of staying faithful and obedient to God’s Word. Or, as Paul puts it when talking about stewardship in 1 Corinthians, “it is required of stewards that they be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).

2. Micah groups justice, mercy, and humility together in the same set of actions.

Three distinct concepts. But when put together, they can provide a great framework for handling money when it comes to deal-making with others. Simple, straightforward, and, for Christians, an end goal to get to a fair and reasonable deal.

3. Micah doesn’t say to be humble.

Even in the flesh, that can be easy to do. He tells us to walk humbly with God. Very different.

When we are taken advantage of or treated unfairly, are we thinking about acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God?

We usually take the flip side of verse 8 and act on our anger with an earthly response.

Walking humbly with God is an action and a decision to surrender and do things His way, regardless of the outcome. Very difficult to do, especially when it’s a financial matter with a lot of dollars at stake.

I believe this is the brilliance of God’s Word and design. As Christians, we know this can only be accomplished through the Holy Spirit. He’s got us right where He wants us!

When we are in these situations and restitution should be coming our way, maybe it’s actually our moment to show someone the character of Christ… even when we’re in the right and stand to lose financially.

Jesus encourages us in these situations to turn the other cheek. In His Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5, he says “But I say to you, do not resist an evil person (who insults you or violates your rights); but whoever slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other toward him also (simply ignore insignificant insults or trivial losses and do not bother to retaliate – maintain your dignity, your self-respect, your poise)” (Matthew 5:39).

I realize this approach may be difficult to apply in all situations. I’m being provocative, in part and on purpose, to drive home a point.

Ultimately, when we act justly and love mercy and walk humbly with God in all situations, we’re in the best possible position we can be to choose God over money and glorify Him. Our goal is to do the will of God, just like Jesus, come what may.

Keep charging for Christ,

Brandon Sieben, Board Chair