-June 25, 2024-
Good morning beloved, happy Thursday,
“There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless, upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil.”
(Job 1:1).
There is a vast difference between character and conduct; character is who we are, conduct is what we do. The two should go together in one’s life.
We tend to evaluate another’s conduct, because it is easier to evaluate. We look at performance, success, wealth, possessions, status, and ability. While these things are important, the character is what most important to God, and should be to us as well. The sports teams are using character more in more in their evaluations on who to select for their teams.
It is much easier to change our conduct than it is our character. When we yield to the Lord and seek Him, He will work on our character. Job had a godly character which resulted in a godly lifestyle. He was consistent day in and day out.
There were four essential elements to Job’s character: he was blameless, upright, fearing God, and shunning evil. As a result his behavior was good. Like us, he wasn’t perfect, but he was a man of faith known for patience. Nothing and no one moved him.
1. Blameless – To be blameless is not to be sinless. What it means to live in such a way that pleases God. To do so he repented, confessed his sin, and forsook it. He didn’t sweep anything under the carpet. He harbored no grudges or ill will toward others.
2. Upright – To be upright is to have high standards, God’s standards. He was honest, sincere, and transparent as a man, husband, father, and businessman. He practiced what he preached and was an example to young and old alike. His conscience was clear. He was at peace.
3. Feared God – To fear God is to reverence and respect God. He lived by the Word of God. Bible scholars tell us he lived in the days of the patriarchs Abraham, Issac, and Jacob. Think of it, before the Law was given. He was obedient to God and walked with God daily.
4. Shunned Evil – To shun evil is hate it, stay away from it, and be on guard against it. It can be literally translated, “turning away from evil.” Oh how this is needed today! We live in an evil world under the control of Satan, the evil one, the prince of the power of the air. It drives us to our knees to pray for our country and our world for people to be saved.
It’s not easy to be a man like Job. We all fall short, but through Christ we are growing to be more like Him. Let us strive to be blameless, upright, fearing God, and turning away from evil. God wants us to be people of integrity in good times and bad.
Have blessed day walking with God no matter what may come. Stay safe and healthy. The real me is what only what God can see.
Good conduct stems from good character, and good character comes which from and through Christ.
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 