In this chapter, Job’s final appeal, he stands in his integrity. He outlines a number of “ifs” essentially saying if he is guilty of any offences to which he has been accused, then what he is experiencing is what he deserves. Yet, he does not believe he is guilty of any of these things. He stands before God in his integrity, still unsure why all of this is happening but preferring to stand firm until he hears from God – vs. 35.
Job’s integrity is a powerful challenge and humbling example to all those who follow Christ. Job does not claim to be sinless. He does claim to be above reproach and believes he is innocent of the charges laid against him.
In the end, Job’s integrity will be vindicated. His integrity will stand. He isn’t guilty of the charges laid against him.
Our lives as followers of Christ ought to be lived in such a way. Whether it is in matters of sexual purity (vs. 1, 9), truthfulness of speech (vs. 5), buisness dealings (vs. 7, 13-16), care for the needy (17-23), accumulation of personal wealth (vs. 24-25), cultural or religious accomodation (vs. 26-28), in our attitude towards those who mistreat us (vs. 29-32), even humbly acknowledging when we are wrong (vs. 33).
Being above reproach doesn’t mean people will not make accusations against us. Like Job they almost certainly will. It means that, in the end, their accusations won’t stick.
Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
1 Peter 2:11-12
Soli Deo Gloria
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