By GEORGE HOLLIS / Guest Columnist

In every time period since Abraham, people have been asking the same spiritual question, “What does God expect of me?”

Abraham, Moses, David, Paul, Calvin, Wesley, Mother Theresa, Beth Moore, Joyce Meyer and you and me all ask the same question.

From the beginning to this very moment, those who seek God all want to know, “What do you want, God?”

Many people like Micah 6:8, “He has told you, O mortal, 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?” In Psalm 15:2-3, there is similar language, “Those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right, and speak the truth from their heart; who do not slander with their tongue, and do no evil to their friends, nor take up a reproach against their neighbors.”

In Matthew 15:3-11, Jesus gives us the Beatitudes — nine characteristics a person pursues in order to receive life with God. Then finally, in John 15:12, Jesus gives us a new commandment, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”

Jesus’ life is an example of Micah’s verse. He lives out the Beatitudes, and there is no greater love than the love Jesus has for us.

Jesus wants us to devote our lives to the well-being of other people. We are to understand that one day we will receive the promises of Jesus, but for right now, we gain the gifts of the Holy Spirit as we pursue the betterment of our family, friends and neighbors.

In 1 Corinthians 1:18, we gain a great understanding. For those in the dark, the Christian message is foolish. For those with the Spirit, it is the power of God. Let us go and be foolish.

The Rev. George Hollis is pastor of Cahaba Valley Church. You can reach him at hollistree@aol.com.