Conclusions

Analyzing a matter and coming up with either the cause, a required action, or both is a necessity in life. It’s part of what we do daily consciously or unconsciously as we make decisions, resolve issues, figure out solutions etc. Having said that, we usually don’t apply this thought pattern to work or one-off situations only. We tend to apply it to people as well and draw conclusions. For example, you meet someone and conclude – this guy is just a nobody; or she must have done “xyz” to find herself in this situation; or … (you fill in the blank). 

This is exactly what Job’s friends did? Taken in isolation, most of the things they said were fair and practical statements. However, tying them to Job and drawing inferences and conclusions was where they missed it because they weren’t Job’s truth. In their conclusions, they generalized as we do today and assumed they knew what they didn’t.  

It’s easy for us to judge them now because we have read the first few chapters of Job but really, think about it. If you were either of them, what would you have said? Would your comments have been significantly different from theirs? Check your comments to people’s situations now and it will give you an indication of whether God would have also condemned you then and if he’s condemning you now. 

Let’s stop acting like the omnipotent and omniscience one. God alone knows all things hence without insight from the Holy Spirit, don’t be quick to pass comments or speak about why a person is where they are, acting the way they are acting or dealing with what they are dealing with. If you have not received a word from God concerning that person, then intercede for the person and help in any way you can but do not judge them based on their current situation. 

Remain connected  

Bolaji