Do I need a better plan or do I just give up control? Likely it’s both
By Dean Collins
How do you grow a business, a nonprofit, a church, or a community without a plan? Is James 4 suggesting that we simply quit thinking and planning for the future? If you read only verses 13 and 14 you might decide that.
But one of the principles of good interpretation is to consider the context of a verse before you draw a conclusion. This means understanding the passage in light of the verses around it. Look at the chapter, the book, the writer and the times, other passages of Scripture, what Jesus said, and on and on. A grab-and-go approach to Scripture reading can leave you confused at a minimum. It can also lead to poor decisions, immoral behaviors, and disrupted unity in the body of Christ.
Our plans and God’s plans
In this particular passage, we would do well to consider the themes that have already been introduced in earlier verses. James began this chapter discussing dissension in the church because of selfishness and a pursuit of personal and worldly pleasures. He acknowledged that we all have needs, but focusing on our individual desires is not what God wants; it creates a rigid individualism that results in believing we can do everything ourselves instead of depending on God to provide. Prayer that focuses on God and his will is a very different prayer than prayer focused on what I want for my personal pleasure and satisfaction.
In Luke 14 Jesus said if you want to build a tower you need to consider the cost and your resources and determine if you can finish the project. He also referenced good strategy when considering going to war with another king to gain possession of their kingdom. Jesus led the listener to consider what it meant to follow him. It is a decision that ultimately surrenders control. It comes down to deciding whether to follow Jesus and live by his kingdom values or follow self.
I think James is getting to this same conclusion in James 4. Planning isn’t bad, but if we make plans and don’t stop to ask if our plans align with God’s plans, then we have reverted back to following self and choosing to be the captain of our own life instead of choosing to surrender control and following Jesus as Lord of our lives.
Who’s in control?
James was following the teachings of Jesus. And Jesus said our major planning decision comes down to grasping for control or giving up control and following him.
James leaves us with a startling statement: “So if you know the right thing to do and fail to do it, it is sin.” Planning is not wrong, but according to James and, more importantly, Jesus, planning without first surrendering control to Jesus is sin.
Maybe our best option is to start in prayer each day following the model prayer Jesus gave us: “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” The Lord’s Prayer can bring clarity to our decisions and prevent sin in our lives.
Maybe giving up control will always lead to a better plan and a more satisfying life.
Your time with God’s Word
James 4:13-17; 1-3; Luke 14:28-33 ESV
Photo by Hal Gatewood on Unsplash
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