Plan Of Action! (Part 2 of 2)

Yesterday we noted James’ exhortation toward keeping God’s Will in the picture as we layout life’s plans. ( James 4:13-16) James implied that to do otherwise is an act of arrogance ( James 4:16) as if we had full control of time and all our plans. James was not suggesting there is no wisdom in doing some planning. Neither was he discouraging activity. In fact, the very next verse brings up a very sobering thought with regard to our LIFE ACTIVITY!

James exhorted. . .
“(17) So whoever KNOWS the RIGHT THING TO DO and FAILS TO DO IT, for him IT IS SIN.” ( James 4:17 ESV)

The New Living Translation reads. . . “ Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.” [NLT, © 1997, Tyndale House]

Not only can we be guilty of sinning by doing wrong (sin of commission), but we can also be guilty through failing to do the right we know we ought to do (sin of omission). James implied we MUST BE ACTIVE! We MUST BE ACTIVE doing the good we see needs to be done.

We may proudly acknowledge the wrong we are not doing. Jesus told the story of a Pharisee who prayed such a brag session as he proudly patted himself on the back for not being an extortioner, not being unjust, not being an adulterer, and of course not being a tax collector. ( Luke 18:11 ESV) However, Jesus went on to point out it was the humbled tax collector who went home justified before God rather than this Pharisee. ( Luke 18:13-14)

How much of the right we know we ought to do are we doing? Perhaps that is a very sobering thing to consider, and rightly so! What we do is just as important as what we refrain from doing. To apply this concept to everyday living means our eyes need to remain open to the opportunities God provides for us to serve His Will as we go about our day to day activities. With each day comes opportunities for RIGHTEOUS ACTIONS to take place and today may be the only opportunity for some of those to be fulfilled. May our “plan of action” include a serious focus on the RIGHT ACTIONS that need to be done. Those actions fulfilled today may make a more significant difference in the life of another that we realize.

Have a great day SHUNNING THE WRONG, BUT DOING THE RIGHT!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Action