I started reading Job today, and Job was a godly man. He went through a lot of suffering, but it wasn't because of sin, or because God wasn't happy with him. It was because he was on the front lines. It's interesting to look at the heart of God, because He had blessed Job all his life, and He knew Job's heart better than Satan could. In the middle of terrible suffering, Job holds onto his integrity, he remains godly no matter what the cost. God holds him up in honour and even brags about him to Satan. What would it take for God to brag about me like that? Do I have that kind of integrity, that kind of humility? Am I willing to face the attack of the enemy when I step up to the front lines? I daresay I have quite a way to go to reach that point, but I think it would be worth it to know that my character is bringing glory to God.
I know that God created me, and loves me regardless of what I do, or what choices I make, but I want to love Him the same way, and I think that's what Job does. My actions don't save me, Jesus is my Saviour, and my righteousness, but He has also designed good works for me to do. That means He has trusted me to be a part of His master plan. What a responsibility!
In spiritual warfare, following orders is part of being effective within the scope of the overall strategy. If I'm not willing to follow orders, maybe I should think twice about what I'm doing in this outfit. Do I want the title of Christian, the applause of men, the recognition of the world? Or am I looking for God's recognition, His seal of approval, Him saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"
Anyone who tells you the Christian life is going to be easy may need to check what Christian life they're talking about. It's a war out there, and we need to have a proper understanding of that. The atheists who malign God at every turn are really P.O.W.s, taken captive by the enemy. We're not fighting against people here, we're fighting spiritual forces, we're fighting deception, ignorance and bondage, and we fight for truth, wisdom and freedom. To anyone who reads this, I challenge you to find the heart of God. That is where truth, wisdom and freedom begin. Know Him and you will learn more about yourself. Then be yourself, in the way that only godliness and integrity will make available to you - a life to the fullest, dangerous yes, but worthwhile. Hear the call go out to your soul. Will you answer? Will you live? That is my desire, and I pray that it would be yours as well.
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