Act Justly and Walk Humbly

The Reverend Billy Graham has advised every president since Harry Truman. Here is his advice for President-Elect Obama.

From Reader's Digest

Read more memos to President-Elect Barack Obama.

More than 2,700 years ago the Jewish prophet Micah spoke these timeless words to the people of his day: "What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God"

Could any words be more appropriate for you, Mr. President, as you assume office?

Look carefully at Micah's three injunctions. First, he exhorts you to "act justly"—to do what is right and fair, not just what is politically expedient or easy. Power brings with it many temptations that can be almost overwhelming—as more than one president has discovered, to his shame. Know them, resist them, and make it your goal to live with integrity and with a passion for justice.

Then Micah charges you to "love mercy"—not just to practice mercy but to make it your passion. Never overlook those who cannot care for themselves; never overlook those in our world who live under the constant threat of disease or starvation or poverty or tyranny. Work with compassion and determination for a better world. Love not only those who are your friends, but those who oppose you. And never forget your family in the midst of the almost-overwhelming demands on your time; they need you, and you need them.

Finally, Micah calls you to "walk humbly with your God." Every word in that phrase is important. Our relationship with God isn't something we begin and then forget; it should be a daily walk, constantly turning to Him in prayer and seeking encouragement and guidance from His Word, the Scriptures. But you can’t truly walk with God if you allow pride or ego to dominate you. The Bible says, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." (James 4:10). The only person who hears God’s voice is the one who humbly seeks it.

Only God knows what the coming years will hold for you and our world. But no matter what happens, take courage from Jesus's final words to His followers: "Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:20).

May God bless you, your family, and all who work with you for a better and more peaceful world—and I pledge you my prayers.

From Reader's Digest - January 2009

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