To this point in Job’s story, he has defended himself to his friends. When they hinted that
perhaps there was something shady in his background, Job denied it. “I have been honest and fair. I have
contributed to my community and maintained my integrity. “ When
he looked he looked at himself in the light of others, Job came out looking
pretty good.
We like comparing ourselves with others. When we make others the standard for
righteousness, we often come out looking good. “ I am not perfect, but I am a lot better that he is.” But
in the end, we won’t be judged by the standards of others. The standard by
which we will be judged is Jesus Christ.
When Job turned his eyes toward God, his view of himself
changed. He said, “I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” He who had
maintained his integrity suddenly saw himself in the light of God’s holiness and purity. Seeing his own filth, he
repented.
You may pride
yourself in your accomplishments or successes. But mark this, when you see a
proud man, You see a man who has not yet encountered God.
Because once you truly see God, there is no place for pride –
even if you are a minister, a president, or the Pope. Once a person truly sees God, the result is deep contrition
and humility. The result is a repentant heart – a heart that cries out, “God,
have mercy on me, a sinner.”
by Pastor Chuck Smith
Wisdom for Today
