Published 9/10/19
Read James 4:13-17
"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.' 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. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.' As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins."
Reflect
• What helps you to obey God's will?
At times when I feel so overwhelmed and intimidated by life, it's easy for me to lose my focus. During those moments, it's hard to thoroughly think through some of my decisions when I'm just trying to survive the day. In fact, I've come to realize that I've spent most of my life learning the rules, customs and expectations. Now is the time to use this information in order to make better decisions that will lead me closer to my goal.
I began by identifying my life goal, which is a growing personal relationship with God. As it is with chess (one of my favorite pastimes), every decision takes me a step closer for further away from this goal. It is impossible to know where each battle will take me--but I do know the outcome.
As Christians, we have hope the in the future. Hope that is given, not by how well we play the game, but from the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Son. We can all rely on this truth as we make life's larger decisions, or in just everyday choices. It's important to remember what we have learned, assess our current situation and mentally play out the possible implications of our choices. This approach brings our daily life into focus. Our goal is not just something to be obtained at the end of life; it is a strategy to be played out every day.
Pray
Lord, help me to place my will into Your plan, rather than attempt to force Your will into my plans. Help me to spend more time in reflection and prayer. Please give me an eternal vision. Amen.