Job's Godly Example

This morning as I finished reading the 31st chapter of Job, I wondered how many of us could make such defense of our lives were put to the test as Job? He uses a number of "if-then" statements in this morning's passage. If he had done this then he would deserve judgement, or if he had acted that way then he ought to be punished. His list is very specific, and though it Job paints us a verbal self portrait. Where honest is concerned Job sees himself as blameless. He sees himself as stedfast, one who is not led astray by temptation with his eyes. He says early in chapter 31 that hea has made a covenant with his eyes to not look upon a young woman. He never mistreated his neighbor. He was good to his servants. In fact in Job 31:15 he asks this concerning his servants.

Did not he who made me in the womb make them?
Did not the same one form us both within our mothers?

Job is a generous man who share his bread with the poor and takes care of the widow. He has taken care of orphans making sure that they have clothing. He is was a weathy man and yet he did not put his confidence in his wealth. He used his wealth to care for others. The more I understand about Job's godly character, the more I see my own shortcomings, and the less reason I find to complain about my life. It is only because of God's grace and mercy that we have not been rewarded as our iniquities deserve.

Although it is our hope that we never have to endure the suffering of Job, it is our prayer that we might attain to the godly example he demonstates in the face of it all. My prayer today is that God will strengthen you and make you victorious in all your trials. Have a blessed day.