What Does The Lord Requires of Me?

What is the answer to the question, “What does God require of me?” Micah 6:8 gives some insight into this question. “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (ESV). Deuteronomy 10:12-13 also provides insight. This passage was spoken to Israel at the conclusion of the wilderness journey. “And now, Israel,what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God,to walk in all his ways,to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord, which I am commanding you today for your good” (ESV).

 

While these scriptures might not reveal arbitrary rules to live by, there is a clear mandate from God to live in a way that honors him, which will glorify His name and benefit others. To honor God is to live a life that displays His glory by obeying his commands, having devoted hearts, and making him the center of all thoughts and actions. Honoring God does not lead to salvation. For salvation is by grace alone through faith in Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-9). However, those who have been saved by grace are created for good works (Ephesians 2:10). Honoring God and benefitting others are the fruit of genuine faith in Jesus.

 

In today’s world of problems, challenges, and situations, honoring God will serve as a transformative guide for others. God can be honored by 1) making time for him (Corinthians 10:31), 2) rendering praise and worship to him (1 Chronicles 16:29), 3) living a pure and devoted life (1 Corinthians 6:18-20; Romans 14:8); 4) using talents and gifts for his glory (Matthew 25:14-30); 5) sharing finances (Proverbs 3:9, 2 Corinthians 9:6–8, Acts 20:35, Luke 6:38); 6) guarding hearts (Proverbs 4:23, Matthew 6:24); and 7) seeking him in all things (1 Chronicles 16:11, Isaiah 55:6).

 

Honoring God is also illuminated based on relationships with others. When Jesus was asked in Matthew 22:37, “Which is the great commandment in the law?”, he did not focus solely on a relationship with God. He also included a relationship with others. “And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets'” (Matthew 22:38-40 ESV). These first and second commandments echo Micah 6:8 and Deuteronomy 10:12-13 because they relate to God’s expectations of his people. Just as God’s people have expectations of him (Jeremiah 29:11; Proverbs 23:18; Psalm 62:5; Proverbs 3:5-6), God expects obedience.

 

Loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37–40) leads to lives marked by justice, mercy, and humility (Micah 6:8). It also produces integrity, compassion, and reverence for God (Deuteronomy 10:12–13). When God’s people faithfully live according to these scriptures, the question, “What does God require of me?” is answered daily through the actions and character of believers.

 

Let the Church Say Amen!

 

Dr. Pearlie Freeman

​

April 2026

​

Click here for additional articles.