Back to Basics
Saturday, January 12, 2008
“The Best Laid Plans…”
17Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it. James 4:17 NLT
When talking about sin, we sometimes speak of sins of omission and sins of commission. In other words, sometimes we sin by what we don’t do, while at other times we sin by what we do. In today’s Scripture, James makes it clear that sins of omission are real. When we know what we ought to do and we fail to do it, we have sinned. As we plan 2008, asking God to show us His ways and to give us the right answers, we must remember that when He does we are obliged to DO what He reveals. Maybe God is calling us to change a habit or pattern of life that has been with us forever. Maybe He is calling us to step out into new areas of relationship or ministry. Whatever it is, once we have discerned that God is showing us what we are called to do, then we must do it! Otherwise, we have sinned.
Some say that ignorance is bliss, and that it’s best not to know God’s plan for our lives, that way we aren’t responsible for doing it. Nothing could be farther from the truth. While it’s true that if we don’t know God’s plan for our lives we can’t do it, we aren’t removed from responsibility just because we don’t know it. Each of us is called to study God’s word, and to do what it teaches. By God’s grace in and through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit we CAN do that, and as we do, we find that the resulting life is far superior to one of ignorance! Today’s Scripture is a call to action, and a call to recognize that when God shows us a truth it is to bring us blessing—that we may be a blessing to others. Only when we know and DO God’s will do we experience ultimate joy in our lives. Make it part of your plan for 2008 to get into God’s word, so that His word will be lived out in you!
Questions and Comments for Reflection and Action:
List one or two things below that you know God has made known to you, and that you are not currently doing:
1)
2)
Take time right now to plan how you will begin to do these things, that God may be glorified and you may grow in Him.
Take some time to praise God for including you in His plan of salvation, and for sending Jesus to die on the cross in your place, so you can have life now and forever!