James 4:13-16 — Boasting(?) About Tomorrow

READ THIS: James 4:13-16

13 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.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. 
 
WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?

The NIV Bible calls this section that we read today “boasting about tomorrow.” Boasting is just another word that means bragging or talking about your own achievements.

“Wait… so planning my future is bragging?”

If we aren’t careful, it can be! James says that when we plan the days ahead of us, we should first recognize that every day we have here on earth isn’t guaranteed… it’s a blessing! If we don’t, we can brag and act like we are the ones in control of our days. James, kinda like a guy named King Solomon (look up Ecclesiastes if you are interested), says that our lives are just like a mist that comes and goes quickly. So what should we do instead? Plan, but know that every day ahead of us is a gift from our Creator, and know that that Creator is in control! Not us!


THINK ABOUT IT:

1. Have you ever planned something super far into the future, gotten excited about it, but then the plan ended up not going as expected? Was that a humbling experience?

2. Do you ever feel like you are the only one in control of your life? What helps you remember that God is in control?

 
TRY THIS:

Take some time, even if it’s 5 minutes, to pray and ask God to be in control of your days today, tomorrow, and beyond, and ask Him to help you trust Him!

Comments

  1. AnonymousFebruary 7, 2023 at 6:34 AM

    Dear Lord Jesus, please take complete control over the events of my days, my ‘plans’ and ALL of my life! I know You already have and I thank you for loving me that much.

    ReplyDelete
  2. YooonahFebruary 8, 2023 at 4:25 AM

    I rarely feel like I’m in control of my life because I feel like it’s always about to crash and burn. That’s what motivates me to embrace God’s control so that I know I won’t crash and burn.

    ReplyDelete

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