He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you

But to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8, NKJV

If someone showed you how to get what you wanted, would you do it? Most of us would immediately say that we would, especially if it was something we truly desired, but would we really do it? For example, working hard is the key to wealth and prosperity, but most do not want to work hard enough or smart enough to accomplish their dreams. The top is lonely in most professions not because the people at the top are necessarily wanting to keep the fruits of success all to themselves, but because most people are not willing to really and truly do what it takes to become the best.

We see the professional golfer and might envy his success, but do we envy the thousands upon thousands of practice swings and putts that he or she must put into their profession? We envy the millionaire (or is it now the billionaire?) but would we be willing to give up everything, often including our family and other close relationships, to attain such wealth? We admire the famous musicians and artists, but do we see the sacrifice of time and effort that went into their reaching that fame?

If we were honest, the vast majority of us would never trade the things that most of those whom society views as truly successful have to do to get that way. We wouldn't want to trade every second of our time to become super-rich because most of us would like to be that wealthy in the first place just so that we wouldn't have to work if we didn't feel like it. Few of us have the near obsessive drive that the professional athletes often possess - there are simply other areas of life that we would like to enjoy. And, when it comes down to it, many of these highly successful people have given up close relationships in order to pursue that success. I remember my wife telling me over thirty years ago that she had something that one world-famous talk show hosts stated she did not have - a happy marriage!

The point is that life is a series of tradeoffs and even negotiations with our time and relationships, and most people are completely unwilling to give up a well-rounded life for fame or fortune. And, when it comes down to such a trade, they shouldn't be willing to do so.

However, there is one area of life that every single person will wish that they had done what they could to achieve, and that is heaven! Everyone eventually runs out of time, and everyone eventually will have to answer to their Maker for the decisions they have made. Since that is the case, it behooves us to make sure that we are doing everything in our power to make sure that we will be with God someday. At this point many will scoff and say that they are going on "the grace plan" so there isn't anything they have to do. To such people, I would say don't fool yourself! I, too, am intending to go on that so-called "grace plan" but we must understand that God's offer of grace. though extended to all, does come with definite and well-defined responsibilities. You don't believe that? Then why did God create Hell? Further, why did the Son of God say the following:

Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord" will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.  Matthew 7:21, NKJV

and

But why do you call me, "Lord, Lord" and do not do what I say? ...the one who hears My words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.  Luke 6:46 & 49, NKJV

The point of all this is that we do indeed have to walk in obedience with God's instruction, but the good news is that we do not have to give up everything else that is worthwhile in life. We can still enjoy satisfying work and fun activities. We can still maintain pleasant relationships with our family and friends. As a matter of fact, living in obedience to God's commandments actually enhance all of the things in life that are rightful for us to enjoy. And while it may seem hard to be faithful to God at times, faithful living is actually much easier than is unfaithfulness. And God has shown us what we need to do: We simply need to live right before Him in areas such as justice and mercy and our everyday "walk" before Him.

He has, indeed, shown us what is expected. The only question is, are we willing to do it?