SCRIPTURE: James 4 

KEY POINTS TO PONDER: 1) James is instructing his audience to examine their inward motives because what is on the inside will naturally come to the surface (vv. 1-2). 2) James seems to be saying to take a very proactive approach to getting rid of such prideful attitudes rather than a flippant or passive approach (vv. 7-11). 3) James cautions us not to be overly presumptuous or boastful by making plans independent from God, but rather submitting our plans to Him (vv. 13-16). 

CHALLENGING TERMS: “Friendship with the world means enmity against God” (v. 4). James is NOT saying that we shouldn’t have non-Christian friends. He is simply saying that we must be careful not to assimilate to the world’s value systems. “Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom” (v. 9). James doesn’t want us to be depressed or sad. In the context this is a warning to take sin seriously by not having a flippant attitude towards it. James is not saying that we should never attempt to plan anything (vv. 13-16), but rather we shouldn’t boast as if we are charting our own course apart from God and the possibility that He may have something better in store for us. 

QUESTION: What current plans are you making in your life without consulting God for his help or guidance? 

PRAYER: Father, thank you that you love me enough to tell me the hard truths that ultimately will lead to my flourishing. Help me to receive these truths as they are meant to be received -- in love and concern for me. 

Consider praying for aspects of your life where you are attempting to plan impulsively apart from prayerfully involving God.