January 29
JOB 35:1-37:24
Ends do not justify the means. The philosophy which embodies the ideal of the ends justifying the means is consequentalism. It is the idea that anything can be rationalized as long as something positive happens in the end. In the midst of Elihu's sometimes true, sometimes false ramblings, he confronts Job on this issue. Elihu understood Job as saying that he pursued holiness and yet reaped suffering on earth, so there was no reason or purpose for obeying God. Think about how narrow that perspective is. I will follow God if it leads to blessing and prosperity on earth and, if it doesn't, then, I will pursue whatever lifestyle will get me there. If we live this way, we can rationalize any behavior as long as it leads to our own personal, short term happiness. Yet, God is concerned with the means and, in fact, outcomes are rarely, if ever, up to us.Thank goodness that the ultimate outcome of a new heaven, new earth, and eternity with God are not up to us at all. How freeing it is to know that God calls us to obey him, serve others, and live a life of love, and we can leave the rest to God.
Father God, help me to never excuse disobedience, but instead choose to walk in your Spirit and live for your glory. Help me to serve you with my life and live for your kingdom agenda rather than my own. I confess my selfishness and ask that you replace that with a heart that seeks to live for you. Amen.
Question: Where have you embraced an 'ends justify the means' philosophy in your life? How can you repent and obey God in the ‘means’ of this situation?
Ends do not justify the means. The philosophy which embodies the ideal of the ends justifying the means is consequentalism. It is the idea that anything can be rationalized as long as something positive happens in the end. In the midst of Elihu's sometimes true, sometimes false ramblings, he confronts Job on this issue. Elihu understood Job as saying that he pursued holiness and yet reaped suffering on earth, so there was no reason or purpose for obeying God. Think about how narrow that perspective is. I will follow God if it leads to blessing and prosperity on earth and, if it doesn't, then, I will pursue whatever lifestyle will get me there. If we live this way, we can rationalize any behavior as long as it leads to our own personal, short term happiness. Yet, God is concerned with the means and, in fact, outcomes are rarely, if ever, up to us.Thank goodness that the ultimate outcome of a new heaven, new earth, and eternity with God are not up to us at all. How freeing it is to know that God calls us to obey him, serve others, and live a life of love, and we can leave the rest to God.
Father God, help me to never excuse disobedience, but instead choose to walk in your Spirit and live for your glory. Help me to serve you with my life and live for your kingdom agenda rather than my own. I confess my selfishness and ask that you replace that with a heart that seeks to live for you. Amen.
Question: Where have you embraced an 'ends justify the means' philosophy in your life? How can you repent and obey God in the ‘means’ of this situation?
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