Wednesday, July 7
Blameless, Not Perfect
There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil.
Job 1:1
Recommended Reading
Matthew 5:43-48
It is often said that we live in an age without heroes. Too often, those in places of leadership--from government to business to religion to culture--are found not to be as worthy of emulation as we once thought. We rarely hear the word "blameless" used to describe anyone anymore--and we are the poorer for it.
What does "blameless" mean? It certainly doesn't mean "sinless," since the Bible says all have sinned (Romans 3:23). Job was described as blameless, upright, fearing God, and shunning evil. He turned away from sin and turned toward God with fear and reverence. He cared about his own uprightness as well as that of his family, even offering sacrifices for his children (Job 1:4-5). Throughout Scripture we are expected to have the same high standards. In fact, it was Jesus Himself who said, "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Matthew 5:48 NIV). Even if it is unreachable, being blameless is still the goal.
Is there any aspect of your life today that is not "perfect"? Ask God for the grace to turn away from sin and toward Him through Christ.
Saints on earth are not perfect angels, but only converted sinners.
J. C. Ryle
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