James 4:16-17 NIV
[16] As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. [17] If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.
The context to this verse was careful counsel by James that we should not ascribe to ourselves any power or ability outside of God. Too many times, the advancement of science and technology has tried to lessen or deaden the impact of God on human existence. We can use the phone to make plans for the present and the future; we can time cookers to make a meal at the time we need it; we can take breakfast in Europe and dinner in Africa, by the use of planes. We can connect to other people across different time zones all over the world at the touch of a button. Indeed, the world seems to move on nicely, thinking it does not need an invisible God. No one seems to acknowledge the role of the divine in the daily mundane realities of human life. However, whether we like it or not, all of creation answers to the will and purpose of the One who created it. That is a fact that has been true since creation, and will remain true when this present earth and heaven have been replaced.
The reason why the truths presented above are important is because of the expectation of God for all who want to impact the earth and also gain eternity. You can only do so by aligning with the mind and purpose of God for His creation. I cannot go on a frolic of my own, seeking to do things my own way and at my own time, with no regard for the will and direction of God, and somehow expect God to back up my own schemes. Reflect on the verses which say that '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'. This understanding must be the foundation of all I do, and how and why I do whatever I do. God has not promised anyone eternity on this present earth. We have been given a set timeline to impact our world with the gifts and talents that we have been given, and then exit at the right time to take hold of the rewards for faithful service.
Anything done outside of God's express will and command becomes a sin. Anything done to promote self, or the idea that I am more important than anyone else is a sin. Anything I do without seeking God's face reeks of a sense of independence, and for all who know, God will not contest supremacy with any part of His creation. In fact, there is no contest. In all of my planning and execution, the will of the Lord has to be the paramount focus. What can a do outside of God's help? As the same chapter from where the verses above are taken says: 'Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that'. Now that you know the standard, it becomes a sin not to align with that standard. If you now know the truth, it is a sin to deliberately ignore it and do what you please. Of course, it means your heart has not been totally given to God. How's your heart? Does God own and hold it? God's time of favour is here.
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