Theme: INTEGRITY
Text: “My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit. God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me.” – Job 27:4, 5.
Comment: The things we do in secret, believing that no other person will find out, and the things we think, say and do when faced with difficulties or hardships are the best barometers for measuring the integrity of men and women. Many succumb or fail in these situations. King Solomon said: “If thou faint in the day of adversity thy strength is small.” (Proverbs 24:10) Job the prophet maintained his integrity all through his temptations and trials as stated in the text for today. This is an example for all Christians to emulate, especially in this perilous times, we now live in. It is noteworthy that Job had deep insight and understanding of his tribulations as shown in his response to the tempting question from his wife when he replied her, “What? Shall we receive good at the hand of God and shall we not receive evil?” (Job 2:10) Furthermore, he encouraged himself with the following words, ”But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.” (Job 23:10-12) These attitudes and philosophical approaches of Job are written to guide us when we find ourselves faced with tribulations and temptations.