But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. (Job 23:10)
“She was as good as gold,” her grandmother said. Grammy had been looking after the four-year-old while the parents went grocery shopping. The child had behaved very well and been obedient to her grandmother. She won the praise by doing what she was asked. That was my daughter many years ago. She has since heard praise for the good behavior of her own children.
Parents and grandparents too often see the turmoil and unrest caused by a disobedient child. Misbehavior brings punishment in place of praise and displeasure instead of joy. Children need to have boundaries so that they can learn good behavior. Boundaries are given in the form of rules to limit behavior.
If we all behaved well in the first place, we would have no need for rules. There is peace of mind in doing what is right. When we make godly choices, we have no fear of retribution and no need to rectify wrongs or inconsistencies. A clear conscience allows a sound sleep at night.
Job stayed well within the limits of God's rules, even when he did not think God was watching. He proved himself to be of good behavior and would earn the praise of, “He is as good as gold.”
We can trust the rules that have been made for our best interest. We too can learn like our children to obey by following God's law.
Find peace in doing God's will.
Randall A. Forbes is an artist, retired minister, and plant operations director at Kingswood University, as well as a follower of Christ and lover of life.
© 2021 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.