Job 1:1 “There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil.”
As we begin a new year and think of pursuing living better in 2024 than we did in 2023 I encourage you to look to God’s Word for godly role models. For those who are familiar with God’s Word, Job is not usually one of our first go-to persons as a role model because we, being honest, don’t want to experience what Job experienced. However, when it comes to examining a man’s character to be a role model you really can’t do much better than Job. Notice the characteristics of his character.
He was blameless.
He was upright.
He feared God
He shunned evil.
These four words describe a man filled with personal integrity. He did what was right. Being blameless speaks of his personal life. He was not perfect, but he did strive to live above reproach. Like Daniel, you would not be able to find dirt on him because he was not dirty. Being blameless meant he did what was right even if no one was looking.
Being upright meant he was honest with others. He did not cheat or lie to others. Being upright meant he was not looking to take advantage of another person. He was trustworthy.
In fearing God he understood that there was God and he was not god. In fearing God he acknowledged God with holy reverence and respect. In fearing God Job acknowledged God’s authority in his life. In fearing God Job was in a right relationship with God.
In shunning evil Job first knew what was right and what was wrong and then he took steps to avoid temptations. To shun is to stay away. Based on teaching from another wisdom book, Proverbs, Job’s actions to stay away from evil would have been fueled by his fer for the Lord.
For instance:
Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate.
Proverbs 16:6 In mercy and truth Atonement is provided for iniquity; And by the fear of the LORD one departs from evil.
Proverbs 23:17 Do not let your heart envy sinners, But be zealous to be guided by the fear of the LORD all the day;
Job 1:1 gives us a tremendous example of a person with great character. I would hope you would want to be known as a person who is blameless, upright, fears God, and shuns evil.
Continue Strong in the new year with godly character like Job,
And remember to DATE the Word