The code of the road refers to regulations and requirements for those on the highway of life. Micah 6:1-7 provides the context of this code, where God pleads with His people to follow His pattern. This code found in Micah 6:8 is envisioned, enacted, and enforced by the Lord. Jesus said, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone” (Matthew 23:23). It is important for us to focus on what the Lord requires. Micah 6:8 reads, “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?” The code of the road involves three things.

First, the code of the road involves your accomplishment. Namely, “to do justly” (Micah 6:8). This is scriptural commitment. Someone explains, “The term ‘The Just’ in the Bible refers to individuals who are righteous, upright, and in right standing with God. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative and is central to understanding the character and expectations of God's people. The Just are those who live according to God's laws and commandments, demonstrating faithfulness, integrity, and moral rectitude. . . The Just are known for their compassion and commitment to justice.” Micah 6:10-11 reads, “Are there yet the treasures of wickedness In the house of the wicked, And the short measure that is an abomination? Shall I count pure those with the wicked scales, And with the bag of deceitful weights?” Proverbs 16:11 reads, “Honest weights and scales are the Lord’s; All the weights in the bag are His work.” You must express honesty.

Second, the code of the road involves your affection. Namely, “to love mercy” (Micah 6:8). This is sympathetic compassion. The word translated “mercy” is the Hebrew word “hesed” which means “loving kindness.” Romans 12:10 reads, “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.” You must express hospitality.

Third, the code of the road involves your attitude. Namely, “to walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8). This is spiritual communion. Amos 3:3 reads, “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” Enoch “walked with God” (Genesis 5:22). Noah “walked with God” (Genesis 6:9). Philippians 2:3 reads, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” We read the following about Jesus: “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8). You must express humility.

Remember, Jesus is the ultimate example of One who followed the code of the road. What about you? Are you following the code of the road?

Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, of Robertsdale, is the author of "Don't Miss the Revival! Messages for Revival and Spiritual Awakening from Isaiah.