Sunday, September 7, 2008

James 4:15

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James 4:15


15 For that [anti] ye [humas] ought to say [lego], If [ean] the Lord [kurios] will [thelo], [kai] we shall live [zao] [zao], and [kai] do [poieo] [poieo] this [touto], or [e] that [ekeinos]. KJV-Interlinear


15 Instead, you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we shall live and also do this or that.' NASB


Now, we do not go around repeating ridiculous and repetitious remarks like, 'If the Lord wills, I will eat this toast this morning.' 'If the Lord wills, I will choose what color carpet to get for the home.' 'If the Lord wills, I will go out and buy and sell and make money.' Etc., etc., etc.

Everything we do in life is subject to the Lords will. That is, or should be, the underlying truth of life.

We don't have to go around saying it, such that others know that it is what we mean. Our purpose is not to educate others or even to impress them with our repetitious quips. As a matter of fact, repetitious comments of this nature, can become meaningless, annoying and phony pretenses.

Likewise, just because we know that everything is subject to Gods will, that does not mean that we are without obligation and responsibility in life.

When an enemy attacks we defend ourselves and counterattack to defeat it. We plan and prepare. We place locks on our doors. We go to school to get an education so we can get a better job. We plan meals. We set out plans for the kids. We make career plans. We save if at all possible.

Likewise, we do not take on an attitude of ridiculousness, and pray about every little matter in life. We do not pray about what we are to wear. We do not pray about what to buy. We do not pray about many routine and normal day to day things, because God gave you a brain and the resources to think and make decisions.

Praying about every little thing, is a cute way to come up with an excuse to do or to not do something, or even to not be held accountable for bad decisions. Immaturity seeks out crutches. Maturity assumes responsibility and accountability for ones own actions - with no excuses.

When we look at life, we should look at life through Gods eyes, not mans. We do the very best we can with what God gives us, but when it is all said and done, we ultimately look to God to get us through life. And we acknowledge that everyone else is doing what they can, with what God has given them. In other words we do not judge others, regardless of their spiritual status, which in most cases, we won't have a clue regarding their spiritual life, if it even exists at all.

We approach life with our eyes toward God and His plan. We know that the world is destined for big trouble. We know that we live in the Church Age. We know that the Rapture will occur one day. We know that evil will never end its attempt to take charge of the world.

We know that our first priority in life is to grow up spiritually, and with that growth, God will guide us through a difficult history whether prosperous or not, to our ultimate destiny - heaven.

We make our plans with God in mind first. We make our plans while understanding how the world functions. We do what we can, in the very best way we can, and leave the details for success or not, to God.