The Present Should Be Affected By the Future

James 4:17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

"Therefore"...an interesting word. "Therefore" the previous verses are "there for" a reason. The words were written so that we would stop and truly consider why they were penned. James wanted the readers of the words God gave him to take them seriously by reminding them that planning without considering the Lord's will is prideful and arrogant boasting (v. 16). Just in case anyone missed that warning, James continues in v. 17 to remind us that sins of omission are just as bad as sins of commission. What "good" is it that James speaks of? Well, I'm glad you asked. It is the "good" we know we should be doing in light of the possibility that Jesus could return today or the fact that this could be our last day, week, or month, on earth. As we plan for the future, God wants us to consider what good we should be doing, from the perspective of eternity, and the future we are promised in Christ Jesus. In other words, as we plan for the future, not only should we consider whether or not we should leave room for the Lord's will; but we must also be living for Him today, based on what we know the possibilities are for the future. Are we doing the good works we were created to do? Ephesians 2:10 clearly tells us, "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." In light of God's promises about the future, the good we do today should be morally good works that are worthy of heavenly reward. These are not works done to earn God's favor, as we already have all the favor we will ever have in Jesus; but good works that are done by faith, in obedience to God's Word. Rather than always trying to predict tomorrow based on what we see today, we should allow today to be affected by what God promised about tomorrow.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).