James 4:13-17
Did you see It’s a Wonderful Life this season? George Bailey states at one point, “I know what I’m going to do tomorrow and next week and next month and next year.” He is a lot like me – he likes to plan ahead. Many people do…
HUMANS LIKE TO PLAN AHEAD – verse 13:
Today or tomorrow, we will do this or that. We will spend a year here or there. We will engage in business and make a profit. Does that not sound like the foolish farmer in Luke 12?
According to the WSJ, citing a study done by the National Venture Capital Association, 25-30% of start ups fail. Only 35% of all businesses last more than 10 years.
What was motivating their business dealings? Look back at the earlier part of the chapter to get some context: “your pleasures” (vs 1), “lust” (vs 2), “envy” (vs 2). Some of the Christians were simply wanting to spend on their own pleasures (vs 3).
But, as we plan, James gives us a few principles to remember…
LIFE IS NOT CROSS-STITCHED BY MAN – verse 14:
“Yet” – we do not know what life will be like tomorrow. Life is a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes…
Job 7:7 – “Remember that my life is a breath; my eye will never again see good.” Job did not see his disaster coming, nor could he see the benefits that were coming to him later.
When you plan ahead, take into account that life is uncertain!
When you plan ahead, take into account the brevity of life!
PLANNING MUST BE DONE UNDER THE WILL OF THE LORD – verse 15:
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How do we know what the Lord’s will is? Through the principle of “opened doors.” Paul was traveling on his second missionary journey in Acts 16. He wanted to preach in Phrygian and Galatia but the Holy Spirit stopped them (vs 6). Next, they wanted to preach in Bithynia. But the Spirit would not let them go there either (vs 7).
It all must be done under the guiding hand of the providence of God.
When you plan, take into account the will of God!
IT IS ARROGANT TO THINK WE CONTROL TIME – verse 16:
“As it is” – do not boast in arrogance. That’s evil. “Arrogance” here is pretentiousness; the idea that we act like we control time when, in fact, we cannot.
Why doesn’t God give us entire control of our lives? Why does He want us to trust him?
What if you had a child who, in the end, had no use for you? He/she got all their food from some other source, all their encouragement, all their love from some other source? They never felt compelled to ask you anything or even hug you. Why should they hug you if they can get all their hugs from some other source?
God designed this world so that we must rely on him. That’s why it is arrogant to think we can do without Him.
When you plan, do so with humility!
DO WHAT IS THE RIGHT THING – verse 17:
“Therefore” – if you know the right thing to do but do not do it, it is sinful.
Take home message – Plan ahead – taking into account that life is uncertain and short; take into account the will of God and plan with humility.
–Paul Holland
