Reading: Job. 1: 1-22
“…there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” Job 1:8-9
The writer introduces Job as blameless. (v.1) God testified to it (v.8). Satan accepted it (He did not deny the fact but tried to falsely accuse Job of keeping integrity for a counterfeit reason – vv. 9-11).
Four things God says about Job: He was blameless (perfect), upright, fears God and turns away from evil. What more can a man ask for during this earthly life!
The first comment speaks about perfection in every part, as in the case of a sacrificial animal (Lev 1. 3). God expects us to live in perfect holiness in the personal, family, church, professional and social aspects of our lives! In addition, it is a 24/7 business. Even the enemy should get no opportunity for slander (1. Tim 5:14).
Job was an upright man, a straight person- a childlike character! He was plain and simple, with nothing to hide!
He was God fearing. What does it mean? He knew that God was walking with him and watching everything he does. Experiencing God’s presence in every moment of his life helped him to live a holy life.
Finally, he was a man who turned away from all evil. May be you are upright and God fearing, living a perfect life, you still need to stay away from sinful circumstances. There are people who live a holy life, but no one is free from temptations!
Turning away from evil is a deliberate act. It is resolving that you will not defile yourself. Job says, “I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I look upon a virgin?” Job 31:1. Job’s resolution was not just that he will not commit adultery, but also that he would abstain from all lustful scenes that would lead him to fall! It is not just a covenant with our eyes… Commitment is making a covenant with all the members of your body, all the faculties that pour out thoughts in to your mind and all the enzymes that stimulate emotions in your heart!
Prayer: Lord, help me live a perfect, upright and God-fearing life. I resolve not to defile myself with evil. Help me to please you, Amen.
Further reading: Daniel 1. 3-20 1 Thess. 5 21-22
