James 4:13-17 cautions against presumptuous planning and encourages humility and reliance on God's will.
Warning Against Presumption: James addresses those who confidently make plans about their future, saying, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make money.” This attitude reflects an overconfidence in their control over their lives and future.
Uncertainty of Life: James reminds his readers that they have no idea what their life will be like tomorrow. Life is described as a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes, highlighting its transient and uncertain nature. This serves as a humbling reminder of human frailty and the unpredictability of life.
Acknowledging God’s Sovereignty: Instead of making arrogant plans, James advises that they should say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” This statement acknowledges God’s ultimate control over their lives and plans, promoting a posture of humility and dependence on God.
Condemnation of Boasting: James condemns the boasting and arrogance of those who plan without considering God’s will. He states that such boasting is evil, emphasizing that pride in one’s own plans and abilities is contrary to a godly attitude of humility and submission to God.
Responsibility to Do Good: James concludes by reminding his readers that if anyone knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is a sin for them. This implies that living according to God’s will includes not only acknowledging His sovereignty but also actively doing what is right and just in accordance with His guidance.
Mark 9:38-40 records a conversation between Jesus and his disciples, highlighting important lessons about inclusivity and recognizing allies in ministry.
John’s Concern: The disciple John tells Jesus that they saw someone driving out demons in Jesus’ name and tried to stop him because he was not one of their group. This reveals the disciples’ narrow understanding of who could legitimately use Jesus’ name and perform works in his name.
Jesus’ Response: Jesus responds by instructing them not to stop the man. He emphasizes that no one who performs a miracle in his name can soon afterward speak evil of him. Jesus’ response broadens the understanding of who can be part of his mission, moving beyond the immediate circle of disciples.
Inclusivity in Ministry: Jesus’ statement, “Whoever is not against us is for us,” teaches that the work of God’s kingdom is inclusive. It acknowledges that others can contribute to the mission, even if they are not part of the core group of disciples. This inclusive approach encourages cooperation and mutual recognition among those who work in Jesus’ name.
Recognizing Allies: Jesus’ words encourage his followers to recognize and accept those who are doing good in his name, even if they are not part of their immediate community. It’s a call to avoid exclusivity and to appreciate the broader body of believers and their contributions to the kingdom of God.
Unity in Diversity: The passage underscores the importance of unity among believers, recognizing that the mission of spreading the gospel can take many forms and involve many different people. It promotes a spirit of cooperation and acceptance, rather than competition and division.
