By Frank Liedkie, Retired pastor of Harmony Baptist Church, Arlington, TX
Read James 4:13-16.
An old Yiddish adage states, “Man plans, and God laughs.” James says, “Today or tomorrow, we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit.” Verses 13 and 14 reflect the thinking of the natural man, “I’m in control of my time and money,” which mirrors self-worship and has no thought or regard whatsoever for Almighty God. This passage sounds much like the parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:13-21 (notice the “I will’s” in that passage).
Scripture says the “heavens declare the glory of God,” and He blesses us with common grace and “sends rain on the just and on the unjust,” natural man does “not honor Him as God.” Focused on himself, the natural man does not give place to God, but what is more disturbing is that many Christ followers, who ought to know better, live their lives in much the same manner.
Lest there be no misunderstanding, we should, of course, take account of our time and finances but know it is vital that Jehovah God is the focus of our lives. Pride lies and implies we’ll be around for a long time with no thought of the brevity of life. The passage states, “For what is your life? It is even a vapor (a mist) that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.”
I was born and raised in South Florida. Cold weather was a novelty to us. It was always special to have to throw an extra sheet on the bed or put on a windbreaker or light jacket. There were a few occasions when it would get so cold (in the 60s) that you could actually “see your breath.” I’d think this is like being up North. I noticed, though, when I could see my breath, it just lasted for a moment and was gone. Both Job and James use this as an illustration of the brevity of life.
As one who has made my share of trips around the sun, I can testify as to how quickly life passes. I understand that in times past, many would end a written communication with the letter “DV,” which is short for “Dei Violent,” which means God Willing. As believers, it is so important to heed what James admonishes in verse 15: “Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.”
Years ago, when I was a youth pastor at First Baptist Church of West Hollywood, where Verle Ackerman was the pastor. During Christmas vacation, our youth department would go to a youth camp called The Wilds in Brevard, North Carolina. It was the custom at the camp that before every meal, all would stand and quote 1 Corinthians 10:31, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” It goes without saying that if we could learn to live our lives for the glory of God, time and finances would be given proper priority.
A few years ago, many wore bracelets with the initials WWJD. I think another bracelet might be DTGG (Does This Glorify God).
As we approach this next year, only the Lord knows for sure what it holds. But there are a few things we can do: (1) Understand that God holds tomorrow because He is already there, (2) Fully grasp that God is in control, and (3) Whether I eat or drink, do all for the glory of God.
A few years ago, many wore bracelets with the initials WWJD. I think another bracelet might be DTGG (Does This Glorify God).
Reflective Questions:
- What disciplines can I practice to focus on a biblical God-honoring balanced life?
- How can I best be salt and light to a thirsty and dark world that has little or no thought of God?
- How can I be an example to others to keep what’s important … important?
Memory Verse:
whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. James 4:14
Prayer:
Dear God, I am thankful for the life You have given me. Help me not to take a single day for granted but rather be thankful each day. Help me today to glorify You with my life.
Related Scriptures:
Psalm 39:4; Matthew 6:24; Acts 18:21; Romans 1:10; Romans 15:32; I Corinthians 4:19; I Corinthians 16:7
