“I will maintain my righteousness…” Job 27:6a

Job adamantly contended with his accusers and would never admit their accusations were right (v.5a). He stated he would never relent as long as he had life and breath (v.3), even to his dying day (v.5b). Job knew he had not spoken wickedly or deceived anyone (v.4). As far as he knew, his life was a testament of goodness and truth. It was his conviction of what he knew as true that brought his offenses to God – accusing The Most High of being unfair, unjust, and being the cause of Job’s bitterness (v.2).

Every time Job complained of being denied justice from Heaven’s throne, he unknowingly offended God… and he would answer to God for it very soon. On this side of the cross, we are well-versed to the depravity of man and that no-one is righteous – no, not one (read Romans 3:10-12; Psalm 14:1-3). Job declared he would maintain his righteousness, that his conscience would not reproach himself as long as he lived (v.6). He simply could not let go of the certainty that he was right (v.6b). He should have let it go… not to appease his friends, but to remember his walk of faith being one which was lived humbly. His humility had been damaged through the trauma of his devastation.

On the one hand, Job had to defend his character before his accusing friends. While on the other hand, his spiritual character was eroding with every accusation he made of God. If God was ‘guilty’ of anything, it would be of being a proud parent who touted the superior strengths of His child (see Job 2:3b-d). It was God Who initiated with satan the subject of Job’s life, asking, “Have you considered my servant Job?” (see Job 2:3a)

The heart of mankind, even the best of humanity, is most wicked (read Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:23). We all deal with our natural inclination to rebel against God and embrace sin – some more than others. So, while we seek to live lives set apart for God’s good purposes, we are prone to wander from His good way. Yep, Isaiah
hit the nail on the head when he described us as sheep (read Isaiah 53:6)… stinky, stupid sheep… a bunch of followers: following the leader; following the latest trends; following the crowd; and following the passions of our own lusts.

I’ve always been a leader of sorts and never thought of myself as a follower. Being characterized as a sheep never appealed to my self-esteem. Then I discovered one day that others were not following. Without followers, leaders cannot lead. It was then I realized I suffered from the same ailment as Job: being a legend in my own mind. It did knock me down a bit on the sliding scale of confidence; though I’m thankful I did not have to lose my children, as Job did, to be taught this valuable lesson.

It was only after that important life lesson that I hope I will maintain my righteousness through daily time with The Lord in His Word and in prayer, walking humbly, seeking to do good, helping others, and seeking God’s face for the blessing of more faith – that’s where my treasure lies. I hope you will join me in seeking the same for your life. You see, now I’m more interested in walking with people than walking ahead of them.

Have a blessed day…