Week 3 – Lessons from Job Cont’d
Day 3 – Job’s Reasoning (Part 2 – Avoiding Self-righteousness): Job 42:5,6
“I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”
Yesterday, we looked at Job’s first reason for his care of the fatherless. Job’s second reason for such commitment is a little less honorable than the first. In the face of the accusations brought against him by his friends, Job is attempting to justify himself. He is looking at himself through self-righteous eyes and seeing his care for the fatherless as one of his strengths. This is pointed out to him by Elihu, the fourth of Job’s “comforters”, and then reaffirmed by God Himself.
The Trap of Self-Righteousness
A self-righteous attitude is an easy trap to fall into, but caring for the fatherless does not make us righteous, bring about our salvation (Ephesians 2:8,9), or earn us “Brownie Points” with God. It is part of our worship and a reasonable part of our service. Caring for the fatherless has several purposes, none of which are self-justification.
The right heart perspective is very important. There is no room for self-righteousness. That will only destroy the work. The Lord makes this very clear to Job when, in chapters 38-41, He responds to Job’s speech. God brings the attention to Himself, His power, and His mighty works. In the end, Job humbly responds,
“I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” (Job 42:5,6)
The Importance of Self-Examination
This is the attitude God was seeking: humility and repentance. We find the words of the psalmist to be true here. Surely, the sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart he will not despise. Job’s friends did not see this. They did not come to the point of humility before God on their own. Thus, their only hope of avoiding the Lord dealing with them according to their folly was to bring a burnt offering to the Lord and offer it before Job. Job was to pray for them, for, God said, “Him shall I accept.”
It’s important to check our hearts. God desires that we have no selfish pretenses in any ministry involvement. What is our attitude toward this ministry? Is it to make a name for ourselves? To prove our spirituality? Is it to make ourselves acceptable to God?
The same questions can be asked about reticence toward starting such a ministry or even personal outreach. Are we afraid of what others will say? Afraid it will somehow damage the name we have been building? Are we afraid we will be considered less spiritual by involving ourselves in the physical needs of others, even if the example is set in the Scriptures? The fear of man is a poor excuse for disobedience.
It’s not about us. It’s about obedience to God for His glory, for He is worthy.
Up Next: Day 4: God’s Purposes – Review
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