January 29
Job 35:1-37:24
Ends do not justify the means. The philosophy which embodies this mindset is consequentalism. It is the idea that anything can be rationalized if it leads to a positive outcome. Elihu interprets Job as a proponent of this mindset by 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. Yet the idea of consequentalism is everywhere in our culture. The most common value of our culture is the freedom to do whatever I want so that I can be happy. This mindset leads to rationalizing any behavior if its outcome is happiness. This idea is extremely unchristian.
Jesus calls us to die to ourselves and to take up our cross daily, a very different calling than do whatever makes you happy! So, as we follow Jesus we need to be concerned about all aspects of our lives. We can leave the outcomes to God and are simply called to be faithful until Christ returns. 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 you replace it with a heart that seeks to live for you. Amen.
Where have you embraced an 'ends justify the means' philosophy in your life? How can you better reflect Christ in these areas?
Ends do not justify the means. The philosophy which embodies this mindset is consequentalism. It is the idea that anything can be rationalized if it leads to a positive outcome. Elihu interprets Job as a proponent of this mindset by 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. Yet the idea of consequentalism is everywhere in our culture. The most common value of our culture is the freedom to do whatever I want so that I can be happy. This mindset leads to rationalizing any behavior if its outcome is happiness. This idea is extremely unchristian.
Jesus calls us to die to ourselves and to take up our cross daily, a very different calling than do whatever makes you happy! So, as we follow Jesus we need to be concerned about all aspects of our lives. We can leave the outcomes to God and are simply called to be faithful until Christ returns. 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 you replace it with a heart that seeks to live for you. Amen.
Where have you embraced an 'ends justify the means' philosophy in your life? How can you better reflect Christ in these areas?
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