Making Plans Is Serious

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.  James 4:13-14a

TODAY’S MESSAGE

We have a natural aversion to the unknown, which is why we want to make plans or at least know what’s coming around the corner. James’s audience was no different. In fact, they were in a season of persecution and suffering. It’s no wonder they would want to travel to a new place where they could make a living and live comfortably.

Our culture also pushes us to make plans. Just turn on the TV, pick up a magazine or scroll through Facebook to see things about planning a better life, having more and going places to fulfill your dreams.

James makes a startling statement, “You boast in your arrogant schemes…  If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them” (James 4:16-17).

You might be thinking, “Don’t we have the right to make legitimate plans to take care of ourselves?” We do. James isn’t discouraging responsible planning—but wants us to let God have his rightful place at the center of our plans.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

With open hands begin your week with the Psalmist’s prayer, “My times are in your hands” (Psalm 31:15a). Download the lock screen below to use this prayer to declare your desire to follow God’s leading and purpose in all your ways.

Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.