HOW YOU ARE INVOLVED

The issue of integrity to God that was raised by Satan was not directed against Job alone.  You too are involved. This is clearly shown at Proverbs 27:11, where  Jehovah's Word says: "Be wise, my son, and make my heart rejoice, that I may make a reply to him that is taunting me." These words, written hundreds of years after Job's  death, show that Satan was still taunting God and accusing His servants. When we live in a way that pleases Jehovah, we  actually help to give an answer to Satan's false charges, and in that way we make God's heart rejoice.  How do you feel about that? Would it not be wonderful to have a part in answering the Devil's lying claims, even if it means making certain changes in your life? 

Notice that Satan said: "Everything that a man has he will give in behalf of his soul." (Job 2:4)  By saying "a man," Satan made it clear that his charge applied not just to Job but to all humans.  That is a very important point. Satan has called into question your integrity to God.  The Devil would like to see you disobey God and abandon a righteous course when difficulties arise. How might Satan try to accomplish this?  

As discussed in Chapter 10, Satan uses various methods to try to turn people away from  God.  On the one hand, he attacks  "like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone." (1 Peter 5:8)  Thus Satan's influence may be seen when friends, relatives, or others oppose your efforts to study the Bible and apply what you learn.  (John 15:19, 20)  On the other hand, Satan "keeps transforming himself into an angel of light."  (2 Corinthians  11:14)  The Devil can use subtle means to mislead you and lure you away from a godly way of life.  He can also use discouragement, perhaps causing you to feel that you are not good enough to please God.  (Proverbs 24:10)  Whether Satan is acting like " a roaring lion" or posing as "an angel of light,"  his challenge remains the same.  he sways that when you are faced with trials or temptations, you will stop serving God.  How can you answer his challenge and prove your integrity to God, as Job did?

Next time: OBEYING JEHOVAH'S COMMANDMENTS 

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really  Teach? 2005 and 2006