I haven't finished reading the Book of Job, but already I can see why so many people say it is one of the most compelling in the Bible. Its our call to go deeper and not stay superficial Christians.
Being real with God is one theme. Not treating him like some distant object in the sky.
And one of the most important themes is not treating God like our 5th Grade teacher, who will reward us according to our efforts to please him. I think I have been similar to Job in this regard. That I can somehow make up for the decadent phase in my past, by doing good works now. That God will only forgive me if I keep trying to please Him.
Feel free to correct my misunderstandings here by the way. I know some of you would know the Book of Job inside out. I will grow from your corrections, I'm sure.
Anyway, it seems to me that life is not a meritocracy. Just because you are volunteering every week to help the aged, doesn't mean you are scoring points with God. if you don't do it with love in your heart, you are wasting your time.
Attitude. That's what God cares about! Its not what we achieve in this life. Its how we go about treating others. Helping the poor with a patronising attitude for example. that's wrong. better not to help them at all. Or until we learn to have a more empathetic approach.
Being real with God is one theme. Not treating him like some distant object in the sky.
And one of the most important themes is not treating God like our 5th Grade teacher, who will reward us according to our efforts to please him. I think I have been similar to Job in this regard. That I can somehow make up for the decadent phase in my past, by doing good works now. That God will only forgive me if I keep trying to please Him.
Feel free to correct my misunderstandings here by the way. I know some of you would know the Book of Job inside out. I will grow from your corrections, I'm sure.
Anyway, it seems to me that life is not a meritocracy. Just because you are volunteering every week to help the aged, doesn't mean you are scoring points with God. if you don't do it with love in your heart, you are wasting your time.
Attitude. That's what God cares about! Its not what we achieve in this life. Its how we go about treating others. Helping the poor with a patronising attitude for example. that's wrong. better not to help them at all. Or until we learn to have a more empathetic approach.
