By the time we come to the stage of Job’s condition ( Job 21:1-3) his physical health and circumstances greatly deteriorated. His human thinking would lead him to the conclusion that death was pending when, in fact, victory was just around the corner. His counselors took turns attacking him saying that God was displeased with him because of his sin.
These three men needed to take the advice of Jesus to remove the beam from their own eyes before trying to extract us a speck from Job’s. Job gathered his courage, threw caution to the wind, and allowed his convictions to stand up straight and tall. He may have been confused about the cause of his troubles, but knew God was in charge. His example gives us an example of building blocks for our own Christian character.
Notice chapter 12 verse three. It is evident that he maintained his self-esteem. We are not talking about him being prideful or arrogant or boastful, because he certainly had no reason for that. However, he saw himself complete with self-respect by trusting in God.
Then in chapter 13, verse four and chapter 16 verse two he became aware of the unhealthy associates that was with him. He countered their false ideas of his suffering versus his convictions. We all know that hypocrites give a bad reputation for the church as it was in Job’s life because of the so-called comforters.
Looking again in chapter 13 verses 15 and 16 we can detect that he had perception regardless of the situation. Even though he was totally miserable and in pain he was only committed to a forward path. His trust was on God only, not himself, not others, or any other possibility.
Again, in chapter 13. In verse 22 he communicated with God for hope. We know according to Ephesians chapter 2:8,9 that the Holy Spirit is the one who gives us faith as it did even back so many, many years ago for Job. He appealed to God about his fears as we all should.
Going on to chapter 14 verse 14 and chapter 19 verses 25 to 27, Job was not being a fatalist. However, he anticipated life after death knowing that he was in God’s hand in either case. He refuted his own doubts and believed instead. He relied on God’s promises as Paul recommended that we should in Timothy 1:12.
In chapter 19 verse four Job assumed responsibility for himself, his thoughts, his doubts, and his questions. He did not blame God or any other people. He searched his heart to make sure there was no error there to find himself innocent.
Finally in chapter 21 verses 7 to 17 Job balanced the inequities of his life against his next life. He was opposite of unbelievers who reject the knowledge of God in favor of their own lifestyle and preferences. That means that he like all believers today can avoid the result of rejecting Christ.
Keep in mind that every decision we make in life has a consequence. Every path has an end goal whether good or bad for us. We can either build our character or we can allow our character to develop on its own according to the influence of the world. The choice is ours.
Christian Writer 