PLANNING OUT THE NEW YEAR
James’ Reminders for Making Big Plans In 2016
The hype of New Year‘s Eve is over. As we roll out of bed and make that first cup of coffee (or watch the sunrise with that last glass of champaign), some of us are wondering, “What will 2016 bring?“
Maybe some of us have started to plan out our resolutions? Some of us have big plans on how 2016 will be different.
This is of course, a natural and potentially healthy thought for the first day of the New Year. However, before we start making those big plans, I’d suggest we take a look at what James has to say about planning for the future.
James is known as the Epistle of action and faith-filled works. And at the bottom of James 4 we find an excellent piece of Scripture to use when facing times of change and planning for the future. But first, let’s consider the context.
The Scattered & Dispersed
Scholars believe that the Book of James is one of the oldest books in the New Testament, “…written by James…between A.D. 40 and 50, during the early diaspora (scattering or dispersion) described in Acts 8:1-4…” (IVP NT Commentaries, InterVarsity Press)
God led James to write this letter to an original audience of scattered, dispersed, first century Jewish Christians or as James states in 1:1, “To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations.” New home, new life, new challenges, new temptations…new year?
1. Plans of Self-Interest Vanish In the Mist
Chapter 4:13-14 shows us how quickly these Christians have settled into their new lands. Outside of Jewish culture and Christian accountability, they have the freedom to do what they want, when they want. And so they have some big plans!
James writes, “…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.”
These Christians who were once on the run, now have big plans for the future. Scripture doesn’t indicate what these plans are, but they seem to be business ventures, to build a wealth and comfort. Big plans that are solely focused on self-interest and personal gain.
Next we read, “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” (4:14b)
Instead of “mist“, some translations state “a morning fog” or “a puff of smoke”, or as the King James Version states, “a vapour”. God is leading James to really highlight how quick our lives will fade; that seeking after self-interest and personal gain will leave us empty.
2. Plans of God’s Will Shine In Doing Good
Next God leads James to really get down to the heart of the matter.
“Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’” (4:15) “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do…” (4:17a)
Instead of focusing on future plans of self-gain and self-interest, we should submit every big plan for 2016 to the Lord’s will. And what is the Lord’s will? Well, as James seems to indicate, it’s doing good.
But what’s the alternative?
“As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” (4:16-17)
We have no excuse.
If we’ve given our lives to Jesus Christ, we have been sealed with the Holy Spirit. Moreover, we have the Word of God at our fingertips; on our desks, side tables and bookshelves, on our phones, tablets and computers.
We know what good we ought to be doing. And when we ignore the Spirit’s leading and we ignore Scriptural principle, this passage states that we’re in sin.
Big Plans for 2016
Today, as we begin 2016, we might make some resolutions and plans for the near and distant future. As we do, may we ensure that our hearts and minds are in submission to the Spirit’s leading. Moreover, may every plan be filtered through Scriptural principle.
Failing to adhere to the Spirit and the Scripture, opens us up to making arrogant, self-satisfying plans that will hold no value to God, no value to others and no value to us at the end of our lives.
Today, may we ask ourselves, “What kind of person will I be this year? Will I be a person of self-interest and self-satisfaction, or a person of God’s will and doing good?“
