Is It Worth It?

It is not an uncommon experience for a Christian to weigh the wisdom of holding fast to the faith when there are so many pressures placed upon the believer to abandon it: a family member or neighbor scoffs, what we have to say consistently fall on deaf ears, all the power and influence appears to reside in the hands of those who oppose the church and its mission, or, as has recently been the case, the persecutor’s sword is at the throat. In the face of such opposition, it’s not unusual for enervating thoughts to creep into one’s head, “Is this worth it? Is there any reason for me to keep confessing this stuff? Do I really want to continue being associated with such an impotent and irrelevant institution as the church?” Assuredly there is, for the faith we confess rests not in the effectiveness or faithfulness of church, but in the God who makes and keeps covenant. It’s because of who he is and what he purposes that we should “hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering” (Hebrews 10:23). The following is a brief catechism based upon Micah 7 (with a couple of other portions of Micah thrown in) that I hope will convince you of this truth:

What is God’s goal?

To bring glory to his name (4:1-5)

How has he done this?

By creating for himself a people who declare his glory (7:8-10, 18; 4:1-7)

What kind of people has he created?

A holy people (7:7)

What does it mean for a people to be holy?

It means that they are set apart, possessed by God from all other peoples, and their lives reflect the fact that they have been set apart, possessed by God (7:16-19)

What has he done to meet his goal?

Entered into covenant with them (7:20)

How does this accomplish his goal?

It binds the entire weight of his character and attributes to the accomplishing of the goal (7:15, 20)

Will that prove sufficient to accomplish the goal?

Certainly, for he is not only capable of accomplishing the task, he delights in it (7:15, 18)

Why does he delight in accomplishing this goal?

Because it brings him glory (7:18a)

What in particular has he done, or is doing, to have for himself a holy people?

He has dealt with their past sins and is working on their present sins (7:18-19)

How has he dealt with their past sins, and how does he work on their present sins?

By sending his Son, the promised Messiah, to accomplish in the flesh what his people could not, namely all righteousness, both in his obedience to the law and his atoning death; and in the sending of his Holy Spirit to abide in his people by whose power he is transforming them to walk in the holiness that marks his people (5:2-6, 10-14; cf., Romans 8:1-4, 31-39)

Does this bring him glory?

Yes, for it is all a product of his mercy, grace, and love, and makes a mockery of false gods and the dire predictions of foolish, boastful people (7:18-20; 7:10).

What should we do as we wait for God to accomplish his goal?

Remain steadfast and patient, praying with faith (7:7)