Ministry

Humility and Purpose

Listen, those of you who are boasting, “Today or tomorrow we’ll go to another city and spend some time and go into business and make heaps of profit!” But you don’t have a clue what tomorrow may bring. For your fleeting life is but a warm breath of air that is visible in the cold only for a moment and then vanishes! Instead you should say, “Our tomorrows are in the Lord’s hands and if he is willing we will live life to its fullest and do this or that.” 16 But here you are, boasting in your ignorance, for to be presumptuous about what you’ll do tomorrow is evil!  So if you know of an opportunity to do the right thing today, yet you refrain from doing it, you’re guilty of sin.  James 4:13-17 (TPT)

Some harsh words from James, here! Something I have to remember about James when reading his letter is that he isn’t speaking to the church as a mean, shameful, rule-enforcing goody two-shoes, but rather as a loving brother and friend, encouraging God’s people to live in the fullness of a relationship with God. The idea here is not to avoid sin, but to truly live into all that God has for us: an abundant life, freedom in grace, and participation in the unique purpose God has given us as a part of His wonderful plan.

I don’t think that James is saying that setting goals and making plans is bad at all! But rather, making plans without involving God or being selfish and greedy in what we are aiming for, is a surefire way to set ourselves up for a life of discomfort, disappointment, resentment, and an insatiable need for more and more.

If we look at the whole of chapter four, the key to this holistic and purposeful living is humility. The humility to know where we’ve gone wrong and to remember just how much grace we’ve been given in Jesus. The humility to know our gifts as well as our limitations, and to press into the strength and power of a God who knows exactly where He’s taking us.

We read in verse 6-8, But (God) continues to pour out more and more grace upon us. For it says, “God resists you when you are proud     but continually pours out grace when you are humble.”  So then, surrender to God. Stand up to the devil and resist him and he will turn and run away from you.  Move your heart closer and closer to God, and he will come even closer to you.  James 4:6-8a (TPT)

Verse 6 can also be translated as “he gives us a greater gift” or “the grace [favour] he gives us is stronger.”

The goal of a life of humility isn’t to live in the shame that comes from realising how messy we are, but to live fully in the freedom that a grace-empowered life brings as we are continually changed for the better, living into our true purpose.

How wonderful is it that in Jesus, humility becomes our battle-cry!

I pray that as we learn and grow together, we can give everything to Jesus, knowing that He’s given up everything just to be near to us.

Peace,

Alex Schmocker

Youth Worker