“And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job,
that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man,
one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?”
(Job 1:8)
One of the most righteous men in all of Scripture is Job. In fact, God Himself commended Job as being upright, God-fearing, and one who turned away from evil. What distinguishes a man like Job from one who only professes to know God is not whether he calls God his Master, but whether he serves Him sincerely and continually, regardless of circumstances.
In contrast to Job’s degree of devotion, shallow professions of faith quickly fade like the morning clouds and early dew when difficulties arise. Similar instances of temporary devotion can even be seen among believers. We may show added zeal following conviction, times of sorrow, a disciplining providence, or powerful preaching only to find that zeal diminishing when life returns to normal.
Another form of shallow service is that of selective obedience. This is seen when we are willing to perform certain duties while neglecting harder, or less preferred, commands. True servants of God, on the other hand, are those who obey broadly and sincerely.[1]
In light of all this, the example of Job is one we should take note of, for God Himself delighted to own him publicly… “my servant Job”… because he lived consistently upright in the sight of both God and man. He feared God and turned from evil.
Indeed, the true aim of holiness is to live in such a way that God is not ashamed to own us as His servants. And yet how often we believers live beneath this standard. Our good intentions often exceed our obedience and our promises often outweigh our performance.
Yet God’s grace is evident even here. The God who commended Job sanctifies His people in order to work sincerity within them. And He does not abandon His weak servants but supports, restores, and strengthens them.
Moreover, the God who delights in His children living upright before Him still seeks sincere servants whose obedience flows from a heart of love for their Lord and Master.
Contemplations:
- My Inconsistent Zeal. My spiritual affections come and go. After conviction, providence, or hearing truth, I often feel a renewed devotion. But then I see how quickly that zeal cools again. It grieves me that my devotion has not always matched my profession. I want a steadier obedience and deeper constancy before God.
- My Selective Obedience. I can be diligent in duties that come naturally while neglecting harder areas that require greater self-denial. This passage reminds me that God desires obedience that reaches every area of my life.
- My Desire for God’s Commendation. The thought that God publicly commended Job causes me to ask myself whether my life reflects the same sincerity. I do not want to just appear religious before others. I want God to see truth within me, and yet I know how much inconsistency remains.
- My Need for Continued Grace. I realize that left to myself I cannot maintain steady obedience. I need Christ to sustain me by His grace if I am to continue faithfully.
Prayer (Confession):
Most holy and righteous God, I come before You confessing the weakness and inconsistency of my service. You delight in uprightness and sincerity, yet I see within myself wandering affections and incomplete obedience.
Lord, I confess that my zeal has often been temporary. There have been seasons when conviction stirred me, truth moved me, and providence awakened me, yet my earnestness faded too quickly.
I also confess my selective obedience. I have attended to some duties while neglecting others. I have preferred a visible religion while allowing secret devotion to weaken. Forgive me for every divided affection.
Father, forgive every outward act that lacked inward sincerity. Deliver me from religious appearance and produce truth within my heart.
Lord Jesus, You alone served perfectly. You obeyed fully where I fail continually. Let Your righteousness remain my confidence and Your grace my hope.
Holy Spirit, strengthen what is weak within me. Produce greater constancy, deeper sincerity, and fuller obedience. Do not allow my profession to exceed my practice.
Lord, make me increasingly upright before You. Let my service arise from love and continue with perseverance. Teach me to fear evil and turn from it sincerely that I may truly walk before You in truth.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Further Scripture References for Job 1:8:
Numbers 12:7; Job 1:1; Joshua 1:7; Nehemiah 5:15
[1] Thomas Goodwin, The Works of Thomas Goodwin, vol. 7 (Edinburgh: James Nichol, 1863), 231-232.
