What a Guy!

What a guy Job was! From God's own mouth we have this recommendation: "He is the finest man in all the earth -- a man of complete integrity. He fears God and will have nothing to do with evil" (Job 1:8). In case we don't know what that looks like in day-to-day living, Job fleshes it out in chapters 29 and 31. May I simply list the qualities of his life?
Friend of God (29:4)
Helper of the poor, orphans, widows, and those who had lost hope (29:11)
Just and honest ((29:14)
Helper of the blind, lame, and strangers (29: 15,16)
Deliverer of victims of injustice (29:17)
Wise counselor (29:21-23, 25)
Encourager (29:24)
Truthful (31:5)
Morally pure (31:9)
Fair to employees (31:13,14)
Generous (31:17-20)
Not a lover of money (31:24)
Not seduced by pagan worship of sun and moon (31:25,26)
Not vengeful (31:29,30)
Not a hypocrite (31:33,34)
In 31:38, he declares that his land cannot accuse him. Might this mean that he was respectful of the environment? That deserves more study, but it's an intriguing thought.

Our world today surely needs many men and women like this. Such a high standard! This is why Jesus sent the Holy Spirit, and why we are to "walk in the Spirit." I think no one could match Job's righteousness by human strength. Then the thought comes: Job isn't our standard, Jesus is. Yeah, that's really what the world needs: millions of people authentically living the Jesus lifestyle. God help us!

Tonight we kick off the Justice Project in the city. I hope to find a niche where I can follow the example above of kindness to "the poor, orphans, widows, and those who have lost hope." God knows there are many of them in our beautiful city.

Our Nassau friend has had to postpone his lung surgery until February 6. I'm praying that the delay means more time for God to heal and strengthen him.

Have a blessed Sunday.

Love,
Carol