Today’s Reading | James 4:11-17
Future Plans
Do verses thirteen through seventeen mean that we should not plan for the future? There are some who teach that these verses suggest that. A closer examination of this section, however, reveals a very different perspective. James’ point is that there are many people who make plans for their future without ever considering God and what He might have planned for them. They have decided what to do after their contract ends, whether to join an activity, or pursue a certain girl/guy – without ever considering what God would have them do. James is making the point here that we do not know what will happen tomorrow, so how can we make plans without God? Instead of making our own plans, we should seek His direction for our lives. Verse seventeen takes it even a step further. To make plans without considering God is not only a bad idea; it is sin. Further, the one who knows that he ought to seek God’s direction and doesn’t do it, sins. Not to seek what God wants you to do in any decision you make is to sin. What plans are you considering? Have you sought God’s direction? Why not ask Him about it!
Today’s Questions
Say What?
Observation: What do I see?
So What?
Interpretation: What does it mean?
Now What?
Application: How does it apply to me?
Then What?
Implementation: What do I do?