Walking Through Uz with Calvin

Sermon 20, Job 5:11-16

A sermon that was easy to follow likely because, to me, it had one dominant theme that rang true. It’s very difficult living in this world, surrounded by evil.

The “other people problem” is a huge part of my maladjustment in life. I find it very difficult to engage with the world without it drawing out of me unwanted feelings and emotions, and sadly often bad behaviors.

Calvin, at least, agrees:

  1. “…we see how the world is filled with evil and perversity.”
  2. “If everyone looks into himself, we can indeed say that nothing but evil exists in this world, that we no longer know whom to trust.”
  3. “God will allow the wicked to exercise great craftiness and prudence.”
  4. “God’s enemies are filled to the brim with crafty devices.”
  5. “…the world wrongly uses the word ‘wisdom’.”
  6. “We are like a tiny flock of sheep and they are not just a pack of wolves, but an infinite number.” Etc.

Calvin’s instruction on this:

  1. Prudence
  2. Humility
  3. Ignore them
  4. Hope in God
  5. Trust in God

The verses from Job today communicate clearly that God will confound the wicked, either immediately or in the long run, and will place on high the despised and afflicted in heart.

I am not sure this was of comfort to Job. But there is instruction here for me as I struggle with the “other people problem”.

I think humility is important. I know, academically, that I am no better than anyone else. I’m probably worse. But somehow that knowledge leaves me when I interact with others, mainly strangers. I don’t do “benefit of the doubt” at all well and I anticipate that everyone is out to “get” me. And I may well be correct. But that deep set feeling needs to be held more coldly and not be the motivator of bad behaviors or negative thoughts/emotions. My first thoughts need recall my own standing before God.

Also, ignoring them all is a useful strategy. But needs to be balanced against becoming a hermit!

Prudence… that’s new to my thinking. Being cautious. I guess that is all about being slower to emote, again pausing between the signal and the response.

All useful stuff.