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James 4:13-17
James instructs his hearers/readers that they should include God in their plans for today and for tomorrow. This is to make sure that everyone is aware that God is in ultimate control and to assume that one will do something or go somewhere out of God’s will is that same as assuming that God’s will does not matter or that God does not exist. James tells us that this type of attitude toward God, or lack of involving God in our decisions is sin (James 4:17). But in planning one’s life, one should be sure to speak as James teaches in James 4:15, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.”
This is a command and example to be sure to include God in our plans as we live our lives in reflection, submission, and obedience to Him.
Be sure to not take this lesson lightly as to do so is sin (James 4:17). This lesson is easy to push aside as we strive to please God and may think, “Of course God is included in my plans,” but it shows us that God has a deep desire to be involved in all aspects of our lives. He sent His one and only Son to die for us and pay our price due to sin, which is death. He loves us! He wants and desires to have a relationship with us! He wants us to desire Him like He desires us! James has taught us how to do this in the lessons he has been teaching us in submission to God, resisting the devil through our submission and obedience to God, and humbling our “self” to Him in seeking His will for our lives. Do these things and you will experience true life – in Christ.
Dear LORD,
Please help us to see that Your word is our textbook to life; it is a travel map to guide us to You through Your Son Jesus, and that in so You desire to be not just a part of our lives, but involved in all parts of our lives. In Jesus name I pray, amen.