James 4:17

James 4:17

"Therefore, to the one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is a sin.
-NASB
"Remember it is a sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it"
-NLT

1. What does it say? Summarize the text in your own words.
-In light of the statements before do this.
-If you know what is right and don't do what you know to be right then you are sinning.
2. What questions do I have about what it says?
a. What comes before "Therefore"?
-James discusses God being the only Lawgiver and Arbiter of justice. He also makes a point of recognizing that human life is short and tenuous so make the most of the time you have while you have it. Don't think you have all the time in the world and procrastinate. "Don't put off tomorrow what you can do today."
b. Who defines what is right?
-God as the moral lawgiver is the One who defines what is right. The scriptures say that God has written His law on human hearts. God has given us a conscience that tells all humans innately what is right and wrong.

3. What does the text mean?
- We are responsible for what we know.
- Claiming ignorance or blatantly disregarding what we know to be right is wrong.

4. How does the text apply to me?
-When I know there is something that needs to be done that is the right thing to do I am morally and spiritually obligated to do the right thing.

Reflection/Prayer:
When I am in times of high stress and feel overwhelmed it can be easy to procrastinate. Sometimes my instinct to cope and deal with stress is to escape. Breaks can be good and they are important to have a habit of reflection and rhythms of rest. However, when I become apathetic or avoidant of the stress that comes from facing reality I am keeping myself from living the life God has given me. Rather than living life to the fullest I have allowed the "thief" to steal my life. Instead can I lean into the promise that God desires to give me abundant life, to enjoy it and live it.
Lord help me to trust You. Help me to walk with You through the troubles and trials I face. Help me to surrender anxiety and worry to You so that I am not allowing the thief to steal the joy that comes from resting in You.