Scripture: Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. James 4:13-14 ESV
Observation: Having confronted this spiritually young church to draw near to and submit themselves to God, that they might resist the devil’s machinations, James transitions to ungodly attitudes fomented by Satan: slandering and judging others (4:11-12) and boastfully stating our plans (4:13-17). Regarding judging, Jesus clearly and succinctly asserts that if we judge others, God will judge us (Matthew 7:1, Luke 6:37). As pertains to arrogantly declaring our plans without regard to God’s will, James likely had in mind David and Solomon’s wise sayings:
- David: The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way… Psalm 37:23
- Solomon: The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9
- Solomon: A man’s steps are from the LORD; how then can man understand his way? Proverbs 20:24
Takeaway: Most of us are fully aware of the boomerang effect of judging others. Even our irreligious culture holds a similar stance. But the implications for boasting about the future are mixed. Society lauds those who boldly state their plans of action. But if we desire to be world-changers in the kingdom of God, then humility is in order regarding sharing our visions. Thus, as James contends, we should say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that” (James 4:15 ESV). Any other presumptuous attitude is sinful (4:16-18).
Indeed, as followers of Jesus, we should exercise a rightful sense of humility when sharing our aspirations, recognizing that they are subject to redirection according to God’s will. It is our Lord alone who sees and knows all things unrestricted by time and space. It is our Savior who guides and protects us and works all things for our good. So while our Father places desires on hearts, we would do well to announce to others our plans with the understanding that only “if the Lord wills.”
Prayer: Father God, we thank you for the desires that you place on our hearts. Would you please help us prudently plan and communicate our aspirations with a sense of humility in knowing that you are in control and we are not? Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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