June 28, 2007
READ: James 4:13-17
Instead you ought to say, If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that. James 4:15
Over the years, it has been my privilege to lead several study trips to the Bible lands. In the months leading up to our groups departure, we would have a series of orientation meetings in preparation for our trip. Schedules, hotel accommodations, contact informationall could be changed at a moments notice.
For that reason, our preparation times always stressed the need for flexibility. A willingness to go with the flow and adjust to whatever changes we might encounter was especially valuable. Life has an element of unpredictability for which flexibility is the best response.
James expressed a worldview of flexibility in chapter 4 of his epistle. While it is wise to plan for the future, we must do so with the recognition that Gods purposes might be different from ours. Instead of rigidly saying, Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city (v.13), James counseled us to flex to Gods direction in our lives. He said, Instead you ought to say, If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that (v.15).
The adventure of following Christ is one that rests in His perfect plansand flexibility helps us to be prepared for wherever His purposes might take us.
Thanks for today’s lesson, Mayor.