Because of His Majesty

How do we avoid sinning?  It’s a fundamental question that has many implications for our lives.  Reading through the book of Job, we can pick up some amazing insights from a man horrifically tormented by Satan for his righteous life. In chapter 31, Job identifies at least thirteen things that would be inappropriate for him to do, with verse 23 serving as the lynchpin for his profound reasoning.

​Meditation
Job 31:23—For disaster from God terrifies me, and because of His majesty I could not do these things.
 
“Because of His majesty” (also translated as splendor, highness, exaltedness)[1] Job zealously defends his righteousness before his accusers and pleads his case before God (27:6). We understand this rationale when we think of standing before a king or president. We are on our best behavior out of respect for the person’s authority and position. 
 
Interestingly Job never uses the word obey or obedience as part of his defense. If our primary motivation is obedience, we concentrate more on our actions than God. This can quickly turn into legalism, people-pleasing, and pride. This was why God was turned off by law-fulfilling sacrifices and religious behavior like fasting, which appeared spiritual but originated from hard hearts, as evidenced by wrongdoing (Isaiah 1,58). 

Because of what others think or see is inadequate motivation to be righteous. 
Because of feeling is weak and flesh-focused and becomes capricious. 
Because of obligation is legalism and lifeless.
Because of love is great motivation, yet, Job did not include this in his reasoning.

When I sin, I can honestly admit my eyes are on myself. I am not considering God’s majesty. When I focus on my awesome Father, my conscience is stirred, guilt and embarrassment rise, and I grieve for what I have done.  “Against You—You alone--I have sinned and done this evil in Your sight. So you are right when You pass sentence; You are blameless when You judge” (Psalm 51:4).
             
God is a great and holy Being. What we cannot do and can do will be for His glory when His glory is paramount in our lives.  Something to think about . . . in reveration!
 
Inspiration
“What is “the fear of the Lord”? It is the human soul, having experienced the crucifixion of self and pride, now trembling in stark vulnerability before almighty God . . . Indeed, has this not been our problem: the enemy does not fear the church because the church does not fear the Lord?”—Francis Frangipane in The House of the Lord
 
©2023 Daniel York  ARR.  Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you want to receive these devotionals go to www.firstcause.org and click on the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed, subject to the inclusion of this copyright notice.      
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)
 

[1] BibleGateway, https://www.biblegateway.com/verse/en/Job%2031:23