Tan: Rest and reflect (Part 2)

13 Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” 14 How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog— it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. 15 What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.”

char ge. Jesus! Let Him rule your life and shape your destiny and be the wisdom of your decisions. Meanwhile, do not assume that you know many things. Do not assume that you will live long. Do not act like you’re in charge. God is in

Applying a God-honoring principle

What you ought to say is “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that. Eugene Peterson puts it like this “If the master wills it and I am still alive.” This command of God through James makes real sense not only when we recite it but when we mean it, believe it, and graciously declare it to others.

Ø Say it and really mean it

Ø Say it and truly like it

Ø Say it and openly believe it

Ø Say it and faithfully live it

Tucked along with this biblical principle are benefits that have a lasting effect. It removes the unnecessary pressure and introduces a real sense of peace and inner freedom. Let me enumerate them by saying and believing James’instructions about the statement “If the Master wills it and I’m still alive.”

Ø No need to be in a hurry always

Ø No need to worry

Ø No need to bully others

Ø No need to be sorry

Before you stop reading this article, I suggest you sincerely pray and ask God the following:

1. Ask God to reveal all tolerated arrogances lurking in our hearts?

2. As God reveals specific issues, confess and repent. 3. Ask God to show you how short life really is? 4. Ask God to help you remember... “If the Lord wills it and I’m still alive”

Thanks for reading what I have written straight from my heart to yours. If the Master wills it and I’m still alive, I will write again this year. Amen.