Doing the Right Thing

The People of God Set Priorities
Living as a Community of Believers
Seek the Good of Others

James 4:13-17 The Message

Nothing but a Wisp of Fog

^13-15 And now I have a word for you who brashly announce, “Today—at the latest, tomorrow—we’re off to such and such a city for the year. We’re going to start a business and make a lot of money.” You don’t know the first thing about tomorrow. You’re nothing but a wisp of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing. Instead, make it a habit to say, “If the Master wills it and we’re still alive, we’ll do this or that.”

^16-17 As it is, you are full of your grandiose selves. All such vaunting self-importance is evil. In fact, if you know the right thing to do and don’t do it, that, for you, is evil.

 
For Reflection

Muslims rarely speak of the future without uttering "inshallah".  This Arabic word meaning "God Willing," is also commonly used by Christians in the Middle East, Africa, and Portuguese and Spanish speaking people.  James, obviously understands this common expression.  He uses it to remind the faithful that God is always in charge and that some events are a result of human will and not  the will of God.  Not to acknowledge God's sovereignty, may result in the mistaken idea that human kind are the masters of their fate; thus separating themselves from God and God's ultimate intention, God's will, for all in the Kingdom of God.

 

Pray

that you will realize the differences between the actions of human free will and the will of God.  Pray that you will accept the sovereignty of God and seek God's will for your life.  Pray that you will become increasingly grateful for God's intention for peace, forgiveness and justice.