Summer light faded from afternoon to evening. We strolled past the White House, as homeless people reclined on nearby benches and families posed for selfies. This year my son would vote in his first election.

How do we pray about what our sons should do in this uncertain future?

Armed officers interrupted my thoughts, pushing crowds to stand at a distance. Chaos took over the fragile peace, as scattered people formed a shouting crowd aiming angry messages at the president’s residence. Selfie groups merged with the makeshift mob, adding to the volume and volatility. A father raised his son for a better view of the rising violence. I didn’t plan to be part of any commotion, but I found myself caught up in chaos, wondering what future awaits my children.

Micah lived in a chaotic day when God’s own people embraced affluence and aggression. Their idolatry produced violence, corrupt business, and poor leadership, and God was over it. What did He want them to do?

We live in a chaotic day of affluence and aggression. Even Christians practice violence, corruption, and poverty of leadership. What does He want us to do? What does He want our sons to do?

God would judge His people for embracing injustice. They would also be restored, if they embraced grace. Even creation witnessed the corruption. As unfaithful as they were, He was faithful. Against that backdrop, the prophet Micah posed a question fitting in the landscape of life today.

“With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on high?” (Micah 6:6a)

They wondered what we wonder. Can we have some direction for living in corruption? In this unjust world, what do we DO?

God gives our sons direction for living in the midst of corruption.

god-gives-our-sons-direction-for-living-in-the-midst-of-corruption

“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?” (Micah 6:8)

His direction is timeless. Live out love for God by doing justice, practicing kindness, and walking humbly with Him.

  • To do justice – business, finance, decision making, obeying laws, defending victims, submitting to authority
  • To practice loving kindness – showing mercy to the weak, sacrificing for the vulnerable, behaving with understanding, exercising patience, demonstrating loyalty, accepting others
  • To walk humbly with God – practicing holy habits, worshipping regularly, spending time in scripture, talking to God in prayer, listening to His Spirit, following God’s commands, confessing sin, giving thanks

How will my son vote? Lead? Live? I hope he will lead in times of peace and goodness, but truth and time point to coming “wars and rumors of wars.” Today’s boys are likely to live as men in a world or corruption like Micah’s. Their future can paralyze us or cause us to pray.

Our sons can count on living in corrupt times. An army of media outlets will bombard them with options. Over and over, they will choose. Will they join the mob? Speak for peace? Stand for justice? Walk with God?

May our prayers find direction in the words of Micah 6:8, that our sons will do what matters most to God in all times.

What challenges is your son facing? How could this verse help him find direction?

Just God, kind Father, faithful Leader,

Would You give our sons courage to walk with You, regardless of corruption around them? Help them love You foremost and commit to a just life of merciful and humble actions. Please teach them to walk with You as they walk in this world. When they need direction, turn their eyes to You.

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