Read Job 25 – 29
God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me. My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live (Job 27:5-6).
Job could have used all the things happening to him as an excuse to sin. Sometimes, in the reading of scripture, it would seem that the friends of Job might have been more content if they had found him in open sin. This would have justified the assault they had launched on him. They would not have had to speculate about any hidden sin that Job might be concealing.
When it came to matters such as sin, Job had taken the high road through all that had happened. He did not allow himself to go in that direction. He held true to his upright walk before God. Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world (John 11:9).
A careful look at Job 27:5-6 shows how serious Job is about maintaining his witness. He first calls out his friends that we spoke of before. Job tells them he would never do anything to allow their accusations to be truth. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God (Rom. 6:13).
Job spoke that he would not allow integrity to leave him. This is something that is truly lacking in the world today. It is not easy to find someone willing to hold so close to their integrity. In today's society, many compromise their integrity every day. There was a time when you might have heard the phrase "a man is only as good as his word". In those days, there was many a business deal conducted on a handshake alone. People of integrity could be trusted to do what they said they would do.
This is not to say there are not people today who value their reputation. There are many who do. However, you will find just as many who see no problem in telling a "little white lie" as long as it doesn't hurt anyone. The problem is deception is deception regardless of the size or value of it. Deception always harms someone. The character of the person telling the lie will be damaged for sure.
For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty (1 Tim. 2:2).
Thought for Today:
Although our flesh is weak, God gives strength during our times of testing.
Word Studies:
27:22 fain flee, desire to flee; 29:14 diadem, turban.
Christ Revealed:
Through Job's compassion for others (Job 29:15-17,21-25). Jesus was moved to compassion when He saw great crowds in need of healing and feeding (Matt. 14:14; 15:30-39).
Prayer Suggestion: Bless the Lord that His Word is absolutely trustworthy (1 Kings 8:56).
Optional Reading: Ephesians 4
Memory Verse for the Week: Ecclesiastes 12:13