PRAISING GOD WITH A LIFE OF GOOD TESTIMONY – THE EXAMPLE OF A MAN CALLED JOB

Dear Members in Christ,

Praising God with a life of good testimony – the example of a man called Job

The Bible teaches us that the testimony of our lives is an example of how we can praise God. The Christian who lives a godly life of service is also bringing praise to the Lord Jesus, who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous kingdom of light. Thus, we read in 1 Peter 2:9 which says, 

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:.” 1 Peter 2:9

The Bible verse teaches us that we have a special calling in our election. We are elected, saved, and called to serve in a royal priesthood. Our calling is one of holiness as the verse explains that we are a “holy nation”. We are called to be separated from the world for we are referred to as a “peculiar people”, a word which means that we are a special, set apart, for we have been called out of this world of sin and darkness.

Just pause and think about ourselves, how can we as Christians, bring praise to God by our lives? The simple answer would be to live a life of uprightness and faithfulness in service to God. Can we find examples that we can emulate? The Bible gives some good examples. In today’s article, we examine a man whose life that even God commends with praise. A man whom God sees as upright.   

A. The man named Job - commended in God’s word as “perfect and upright”  

The Bible tells us that there was a man called Job. And the Bible tells us of His character and how God’s Word describes this man.

“There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.” Job 1:1

The passage above teaches us that Job was described as upright and perfect. Theologically, we know all that are born of Adam are of the fallen race, and can hardly be referred to as “perfect”. In fact, the Bible is clear that we have fallen short of God’s standard of holiness. Therefore, we know that Job is a man saved by the precious blood of the perfect, sinless Lamb of God. However, his life of holiness sets him apart. Job is described as “one that feared God, and eschewed evil…”. He is also a prayerful man, for Job 1:5 describes him as continually praying for his sons and daughters. This man “feared God, and eschewed evil” meaning that He shuns any conduct which is sinful or dishonoring to God.

Brothers and sisters, a good testimony is one way a believer can praise God; by showing others God’s love and holiness. Let us not disregard or neglect our service to God, neither should we neglect prayer, worship, fellowship and mutual help among fellow Christians. Our salvation is in none other than by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. However, we should live and maintain a life of holiness and devotion, for this is praising God with a good testimony of an upright life.

B. The example of the Lord Jesus – a life glorifying to God

As we consider the example of Job, the man described as “perfect and upright”, we must not forget the best example of one whose life is glorifying to God. The Lord Jesus Christ is the best example of one whose life ministry is an everlasting expression of glory to God. The Lord Jesus said these words in John 17:4,5 in the high priestly prayer shortly before He was taken to be crucified.

“I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.” John 17:4,5

The Lord Jesus speaks of His finished work, and the pain and sorrow that He was about to undergo for the salvation of His people. “I have glorified thee on the earth”, a phrase which speaks of how His entire life, his ministry and eventually His death will show forth the glory of God. What an example of one who is obedient to the will of God! Truly the life, the passion of the Lord Jesus is a continual praise to the love and wisdom of the Heavenly Father. What a sterling example for us Christians!

Beloved, we have these examples of lives devoted to the obedience and praise for God. Let us serve faithfully and joyfully. Let us not neglect to live for our God, showing forth a life of fervent prayer, holiness and good works, to the glory of God the Father. May God be praised. Amen.    

In His Service,
Rev. Lim Seh Beng, Pastor